phenom

noun

phe·​nom ˈfē-ˌnäm How to pronounce phenom (audio) fi-ˈnäm How to pronounce phenom (audio)
: phenomenon
especially : a person of phenomenal ability or promise

Examples of phenom 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.
Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is known not just as one of the sport’s most skilled players, but as one of its most boundary-pushing style stars. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 My colleague, Cerys Davies, has written about the industry’s mad dash to find the next internet stories that can be transformed into box office phenoms. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The rising rap phenom from Houston, whose real name is Leondra Roshawn Caldwell, is known for her distinct delivery, affirming bars and witty wordplay. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Entering 2026 at age 19, Zilisch was the talk of the garage — NASCAR’s next young phenom. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenom

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenom was in 1881

Rhymes for phenom

See All Rhymes for phenom

Browse Nearby Words

phenolsulfonephthalein
phenom
phenomena
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phenom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenom. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All