phenomena

noun

phe·​nom·​e·​na fi-ˈnä-mə-nə How to pronounce phenomena (audio)
-ˌnä
plural phenomenas
nonstandard
Can phenomena be used as a singular?: Usage Guide

Phenomena has been in occasional use as a singular since the early 18th century, as has the plural phenomenas. Our evidence shows that singular phenomena is primarily a speech form used by poets, critics, and professors, among others, but one that sometimes turns up in edited prose.

Although it seemed like a fad a few years ago, Twitter has evolved into a phenomena with more than 200 million users … Myron P. Medcalf

It is etymologically no more irregular than stamina and agenda, but it has nowhere near the frequency of use that they have, and while they are standard, phenomena is still rather borderline.

Examples of phenomena in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trips based around phenomena or once-a-year natural events aren’t going anywhere in 2025. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024 And from Friday’s show, turns out the phenomena known as ‘cosmic fireflies’ are actually just thousands of what man made space technology? CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 The phenomena has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue temporary flight restrictions for New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal military base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns and called for additional investigations. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 The phenomena has been seen before, various outlets have reported. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenomena 

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenomena was in 1708

Dictionary Entries Near phenomena

Cite this Entry

“Phenomena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenomena. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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