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

Now in their early to mid-30s, both authors have seen their stories grow into global phenomena, with millions of readers and successful film adaptations. —Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

With only 19 similar events in the past 25 years, this rarity is significant, offering potential new insights into the underlying phenomena. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Despite their similarities, however, experts said the phenomena of the jellyfish and spiral are distinct. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025

Pettit is widely admired as an accomplished photographer, spending much of his spare time aboard the International Space Station photographing astronomical phenomena, auroral displays and life aboard the orbiting lab complex. —William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenomena

• nomina