superhero

noun

su·​per·​he·​ro ˈsü-pər-ˌhir-(ˌ)ō 

-ˌhē-(ˌ)rō

plural superheroes

: a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers

also : an exceptionally skillful or successful person compare superheroine, supervillain

Examples of superhero in a Sentence

The people who do this dangerous work are real-life superheroes who deserve our gratitude.

Recent Examples on the Web

The two superhero movies are the only films to earn more than $300 million in their debuts. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

The superhero genre has been in decline across the board, with that downturn hitting Marvel and Disney in recent years as the theatrical business also struggled to return to pre-Covid levels. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Endgame shattering international box office records, its predecessor also made history by becoming the first superhero film to gross over $2 billion worldwide. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Holland’s Spider-Man relates more personally to everyone — friends and foes — than any other superhero; his scenes with the Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Det. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for superhero

• biro
• spiro
• zero
• subzero

Kids Definition

superhero

noun

su·​per·​he·​ro

ˈsü-per-ˌhē-rō, 

-ˌhi(ə)r-ō

: a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers

also : a very successful person