phenom

noun

phe·​nom ˈfē-ˌnäm How to pronounce phenom (audio) fi-ˈnäm How to pronounce phenom (audio)
: phenomenon
especially : a person of phenomenal ability or promise

Examples of phenom in a Sentence

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.
Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is known not just as one of the sport’s most skilled players, but as one of its most boundary-pushing style stars. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 My colleague, Cerys Davies, has written about the industry’s mad dash to find the next internet stories that can be transformed into box office phenoms. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The rising rap phenom from Houston, whose real name is Leondra Roshawn Caldwell, is known for her distinct delivery, affirming bars and witty wordplay. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Entering 2026 at age 19, Zilisch was the talk of the garage — NASCAR’s next young phenom. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phenom

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenom was in 1881

Rhymes for phenom

See All Rhymes for phenom

Browse Nearby Words

phenolsulfonephthalein
phenom
phenomena
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phenom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenom. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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