paranormal

American  

[par-uh-nawr-muhl] / ˌpær əˈnɔr məl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the claimed occurrence of an event or perception without scientific explanation, as psychokinesis, extrasensory perception, or other purportedly supernatural phenomena.

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paranormal British  

/ ˌpærəˈnɔːməl /

adjective

1. beyond normal explanation

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noun

1. paranormal happenings generally

Other Word Forms

• paranormally adverb

Etymology

Origin of paranormal

First recorded in 1915–20; para- ¹ + normal

Example Sentences

Ms. Kiri, who is on camera almost nonstop and is in close-up much of the time, expertly holds our attention as her character’s skepticism about the paranormal world becomes increasingly occluded by worry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Is something paranormal afoot or is the rupture in Montessori’s mind?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

They swapped rooms but the stay was - sadly - uneventful in paranormal terms.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

Later in the video, other members of Rivera’s group chime in, adding they intend to complete the tour to honor famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who inspired “The Conjuring” franchise.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

“It was a paranormal emergency; surely you, of all people, would understand,” he whispered, before she frantically shushed him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny