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

Explanation

Use the adjective paranormal to talk about things that are outside of normal experience, like ESP, ghosts, and UFOs. You might describe your friend's uncanny ability to bend spoons with her mind as paranormal, or beyond a scientific explanation. While many people don't believe in any kind of paranormal events, there are those who see or hear things they can't explain rationally. The Greek word para, "against, or contrary to," is paired up with normal: if it goes against what's normal, you can probably describe it as paranormal.

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

Jack, meanwhile, has mainly stuck to presenting in his post-show life, including on a paranormal investigation show that co-starred his parents.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 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