phenomena

noun

phe·​nom·​e·​na fi-ˈnä-mə-nə 

-ˌnä

plural phenomenas

nonstandard

: phenomenon

Can phenomena be used as a singular?: Usage Guide

Phenomena has been in occasional use as a singular since the early 18th century, as has the plural phenomenas. Our evidence shows that singular phenomena is primarily a speech form used by poets, critics, and professors, among others, but one that sometimes turns up in edited prose.

Although it seemed like a fad a few years ago, Twitter has evolved into a phenomena with more than 200 million users …

—Myron P. Medcalf

It is etymologically no more irregular than stamina and agenda, but it has nowhere near the frequency of use that they have, and while they are standard, phenomena is still rather borderline.

Examples of phenomena in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each image illustrates Chandra's unique ability to detect high-energy phenomena, such as stellar winds, supernova remnants and black hole activity. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2025

The event, often scheduled in late October, allows the public to observe one of the Sacramento region’s key natural phenomena. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025

There are other devices that exploit quantum mechanical phenomena, such as radioactive decay, to generate random numbers. —Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2025

Four Seasons even teamed up with HBO to create immersive hotel experiences akin to those on screen each week, and the series has sparked a set-jetting phenomena in the travel sector. —India Brown, Robb Report, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina