paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-,
ˈpa-rə-
: not scientifically explainable : supernatural
paranormal noun
paranormality noun
paranormally
ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-
ˈpa-rə-
adverb

Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three-hour tour with paranormal historian Violet Shindler. Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 The Conjuring movie series is based on some of the most famous investigations done by paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine throughout their careers. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 From paranormal ghost tours to 5k races, there really is something for all types of travelers in Anoka. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 The circa-1885 Tarrytown Music Hall has been said to be the site of paranormal activity, and each fall, storyteller Jonathan Kruk leads ghost tours of the venue. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paranormal

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paranormal was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paranormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranormal. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective
para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena
experiments in paranormal cognition of drawingsPsychological Abstracts
paranormally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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