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.
Marella Agnelli shared a spread with the teen-age basketball phenom Lew Alcindor (soon to be known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Gunna released a lavish visual to accompany the single, which stars American tennis phenom Coco Gauff. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 Barcelona Lamine Yamal may have been light on the score sheet during the World Cup, but the teenage phenom played his role to perfection during Spain’s tournament-winning run. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Seventeen-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest player to score for the Americans in that game, did not play against Canada. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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