superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

: excessive or superior power

2

a

: an extremely powerful nation

specifically : one of a very few dominant states in an era when the world is divided politically into these states and their satellites

b

: an international governing body able to enforce its will upon the most powerful states

c

: an extremely powerful company, organization, etc.

The retailer hoped to become a financial services superpower …

—Patricia Sellers

3

: a power or ability (such as the ability to become invisible or to fly) of the kind possessed by superheroes : a superhuman power

The Fantastic Four first appeared in November 1961, originating with four friends who journeyed to space to thwart the Russians from getting there first. They were overwhelmed by a menacing radiation cloud and their molecular structure was altered, giving each of them superpowers.

—Laura Mattoon D'Amore

The superpower I've always wished for is invisibility, and I chose my vocation accordingly. A novelist gets 140,000 words per one tiny author photo. That's a visibility ratio I can live with.

—Barbara Kingsolver

superpowered

ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)rd 

adjective

Examples of superpower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The energy transition need not be a death knell for the Kingdom; the evolution offers it a chance to maintain its status as an energy superpower. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

As chief executive of a superpower, Harris would also be able to quiet lingering doubts that women are equipped to make decisions of war and peace. —Linda Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024

This has only added to the negative sentiment surrounding the European superpower, as seen in Intel’s postponement of plans to invest in Germany. —Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024

Among the titles were revenge thriller Kate, starring Mary-Elizabeth Winstead and Woody Harrelson, action fantasy Bright, starring Will Smith, superpower thriller Project Power, starring Jamie Foxx, and DC movie Birds of Prey, starring Robbie. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: an extremely powerful nation