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

Videos on social media and YouTube show people tagging empty storefronts, skateboarding or riding bicycles indoors and urban explorers touring the abandoned spaces for posterity or to look for signs of paranormal activity.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Not long after moving in, they discover the very grand house had a very troubling history of paranormal events.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 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