(computer science) a symbol that appears on the computer screen to indicate that the computer is ready to receive a command
"The blinking cursor at the end of the line served as a prompt, indicating that the computer was ready for my next input."
A reminder or cue.
"The teacher wrote his name on the chalkboard as a prompt to help the student remember who he was supposed to be in the play."
To lead (someone) toward what they should say or do.
"The teacher gently prompted the shy student to answer the question correctly."
In plain English: To prompt means to say something that makes someone else act or do what you want them to do.
"The teacher prompted us to raise our hands before answering questions."
performed with little or no delay
"an immediate reply to my letter"
"a prompt reply"
"was quick to respond"
"a straightaway denial"
Quick; acting without delay.
"The prompt response from the team saved us from missing the deadline."
In plain English: Prompt means happening quickly and on time without any delay.
"The prompt response from the manager impressed everyone in the meeting."
Usage: Use the adjective form to describe someone who acts quickly and decisively, such as in a prompt response. Do not confuse this meaning with the verb sense of urging others to speak or act.
The word prompt comes from Latin prōmptus, meaning "visible" or "evident," which originally described something brought forth to light before entering Middle French and then Middle English as an adjective describing readiness. A related form, pronto, is a doublet of this entry that shares the same root but developed independently in usage.