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

The brand began with jeans, but quickly became a modern day phenomena—taking off in the early years, with the help of countless supermodel and creative collaborations, including Karlie Kloss in 2014, Inez & Vinoodh in 2015, and Lara Stone in 2016. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 30 May 2025

This phenomena, subsidence, is actively happening across every major American city. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Having elevated the celebration of Titans of Terror to a world-class standard, the theme park creatives are bringing iconic pop culture phenomena, including Star Trek, Dungeons and Dragons, and Back to the Future, to life in a whole new way. —Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina