Prompt
The typed instruction, question, or command you give to an AI system to tell it what you want it to do.
In Plain English
A prompt is your side of the conversation with an AI. Think of it like giving directions to a taxi driver; the clearer you are about your destination, the better the trip will be. A prompt can be as simple as a single question or as complex as a page of detailed instructions. If you ask an AI to "Write a polite email declining a party invitation," that entire sentence is your prompt.
Real-World Example
Typing "Translate hello into French" into an AI chat window.