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

Turbulence, one of the most unpredictable weather phenomena for pilots, is caused by disturbances like storms and mountains, which can alter how air moves much like an obstacle like a boulder can make river water rough. —Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025

Collins says plenty of brands still manage to strike the right balance when responding to pop culture phenomena, including the engagement news this week. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 27 Aug. 2025

Pickleball and padel, once niche activities, are now global phenomena. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina