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

See Examples For:

paranormal

He began giving presentations at UFO events and interviews on paranormal programs.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

And if any fictional town could make twice-a-year-Halloween seem reasonable, it was Gravity Falls, which teemed with paranormal mystery and intrigue.

From Salon ● Jun. 30, 2026

There’s also a reporter named Clarence Thomas Jr., an ex-country music star with a White House job, and the titular pro wrestler, who might have paranormal powers.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

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

“Oh God, Charlie, she’s letting you read again! You went straight to the paranormal section, didn’t you?”

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia