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

Though this is not the first time lightning has been seen or photographed from space, McClain's photo is stunning example of how natural phenomena can create unique art, especially when viewed from a different angle. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 23 May 2025

The phenomena appears to be limited to a single neighborhood in Richmond, about 10 miles north of Oakland. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025

When Is the Next Planetary Parade? While conjunctions of two planets or even parades of three-four are quite common occurrences, those of six-seven planets are a rare phenomena. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

This phenomena means industry leaders can no longer afford to wait for clarity before acting. —Mary Hemphill, Phd, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina