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

Inspired by some real-life phenomena, Fliegauf shot his fictional story almost like a mockumentary. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 July 2025

These phenomena—familiar to business historians—are now playing out and are frequently—and mistakenly—seen as unprecedented. —Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. CNN — Some of the most intriguing science fiction springs from eerie, real-life phenomena. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 June 2025

See the Northern Lights in the company of experts Hurtigruten also offers the chance to see the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena—period. —AFAR Media, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina