The meaning of PRODIGAL is characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure : lavish.

PRODIGAL definition: 1. spending or using large amounts of money, time, energy, etc., especially in a way that is not…. Learn more.

There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word prodigal, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

1. a disobedient and irresponsible son who wastes money on a life of pleasure and later returns home to ask for his parents' forgiveness.

PRODIGAL definition: wastefully or recklessly extravagant. See examples of prodigal used in a sentence.

Definition of prodigal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 11, 2025 · prodigal (comparative more prodigal, superlative most prodigal) He found himself guilty of prodigal spending during the holidays. The prodigal son spent his share of his …

Prodigal Son is an American procedural drama television series created by Chris Fedak and Sam Sklaver for the Fox Broadcasting Company that premiered on September 23, 2019, and …

(often followed by of or with) Someone yielding profusely, lavish. She was a merry person, glad and prodigal of smiles. How can he be so prodigal with money on such a tight budget?

You can describe someone as a prodigal son or daughter if they leave their family or friends, often after a period of behaving badly, and then return at a later time as a better person.