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

Here’s when the next total solar eclipse will be seen in the U.S. Nine years from now, on March 30, 2033 one U.S. state, Alaska, will witness the phenomena. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2024

That’s according to new and old research on the phenomena of sinking land — also known as subsidence — along the entire U.S. coast. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024

The phenomena is precisely what Proof of Concept aims to combat by attacking the problem from the top down — by means of giving underrepresented filmmakers the opportunity to tell a diverse array of stories. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024

Tiffany Acosta So far, 2024 has been a notable period for celestial phenomena, bringing a series of major astronomical events that have captivated skygazers worldwide. —The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024

Aside from these relatively rare psychological phenomena is a simpler account of the twin stranger trope, one ingrained in our genes. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024

Its leaders know well that weather phenomena of all kinds are getting harder to predict with global warming. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024

Atmospheric rivers are common weather phenomena, particularly along the West Coast. —Katherine Itoh, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024

From its breathtaking landscapes and cascading waterfalls to its unique geothermal phenomena and dancing northern lights, Iceland's natural wonders are largely accessible for free. —David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above