superhero

noun

su·​per·​he·​ro ˈsü-pər-ˌhir-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce superhero (audio)
-ˌhē-(ˌ)rō
plural superheroes
: a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers
also : an exceptionally skillful or successful person compare superheroine, supervillain

Examples of superhero in a Sentence

The people who do this dangerous work are real-life superheroes who deserve our gratitude.
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.
But the fact that the Hoosiers could go into a raucous environment like Autzen Stadium and beat the Ducks by double digits without their quarterback being a superhero says a lot about their overall talent level. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 The character was brought to life onscreen twice in 20th Century Fox's superhero era, first by Patrick Stewart and later by James McAvoy. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025 Abdul-Mateen stars as an actor, Simon Williams, who auditions for the lead role in a Marvel-like superhero movie. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025 The biggest impression a character in a superhero movie ever made on me was Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superhero

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superhero was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

superhero

noun
su·​per·​he·​ro
ˈsü-per-ˌhē-rō,
-ˌhi(ə)r-ō
: a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers
also : a very successful person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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