superhero

noun

su·​per·​he·​ro ˈsü-pər-ˌhir-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce superhero (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More Bryan Bennett/Getty Images Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd spoke Monday about Buffalo's comeback and the superhero-like efforts from Allen. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Directed by Gunn, Superman is the top-grossing superhero pic of the year with more than $614 million in global ticket sales. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 His character in Prime Video’s satirical superhero series was the CEO of Vought, a corrupt corporation at the center of the drama, but he was booted out of the position. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 At one point, Aguayo interrupted the interview to take a photo with five men in red spandex suits, dressed as the traditional Mexican superhero El Chapulin. Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superhero

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superhero was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superhero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superhero. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!