apparition

noun

ap·​pa·​ri·​tion ˌa-pə-ˈri-shən 

1

a

: an unusual or unexpected sight : phenomenon

strange apparitions in the sky

b

: a ghostly figure

reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the old house

2

: the act of becoming visible : appearance

the apparition of sunlight through the window

apparitional

ˌa-pə-ˈri-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of apparition

• ghost
• spirit
• phantom

Examples of apparition in a Sentence

an eccentric who claimed to have photographed an apparition in her very own house

Recent Examples on the Web

But he’s journeyed to Lourdes and Our Lady of Guadalupe, both of which the Vatican has officially recognized as supernatural Marian apparitions. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

When 59% of California voters have a concern about the cost of providing public benefits to an unlimited number of people residing in the country unlawfully, that’s an apparition that will roam the earth. —Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026

The vantage from which Mercury is best seen at this apparition is from the Southern Hemisphere. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Acosta’s bright shapes could be seen as apparitions of a sort. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English apparicion, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French appariciun "appearance," borrowed from Medieval Latin appāritiōn-, appāritiō "appearance, supernatural manifestation, Epiphany," going back to Late Latin, "appearance" (Latin, "service, attendance"), from Latin appāri-, variant stem of appārēre "to be visible, be evident, attend, serve" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at appear

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for apparition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition
• deposition

Kids Definition

apparition

noun

ap·​pa·​ri·​tion ˌap-ə-ˈrish-ən 

1

: an unusual or unexpected sight

2

: ghost