phenomena

American  

[fi-nom-uh-nuh] / fɪˈnɒm ə nə /

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon.

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phenomena British  

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnə /

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon

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Usage

As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular ( This phenomena will not be seen again ), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.

Etymology

Origin of phenomena

First recorded in 1580–90 with spelling phænomena

Example Sentences

Phenomena like El Niño may increase exposure by affecting how pesticides are used and how they move through the environment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

While many reports of what the government now calls Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena remain unsolved, the new document states plainly there is nothing to see.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

In a document published by ANA, the prosecutor is quoted as saying: "Phenomena of racist violence against immigrants are worrying."

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2023

Phenomena that seem to operate outside of the “known aerodynamic principles that we expect for objects that fly in our atmosphere.”

From Washington Times • Jul. 26, 2023

Phenomena are too subjective: they are appearances, not realities; things and particulars are too much in the real world: none of them corresponds to that peculiar blend of reality and thought which is the fact.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton