phenomena
Americannoun
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We are reminded that Siena, as a major stop on the heavily traveled pilgrimage route from Northern Europe to Rome, frequently received news of phenomena occurring elsewhere.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Of the 28 files about unidentified anomalous phenomena released Friday, four of them detail bizarre sightings from Catalina during the 1940s and 1950s, including one of “flying saucers” spotted by three Boy Scouts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
Rather than limiting these experiments to recreating phenomena already understood through established theories, scientists can now explore deliberately engineered states that reveal entirely new possibilities.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026
Dillon Amaya, an oceanographer at North Carolina State University, said the elevated sea levels could collide with other natural phenomena to create problems for coastal communities.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
It is perhaps one of the most baffling phenomena in history.
From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley
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