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.
Garfield said his support for a more inclusive version of the Marvel superhero has not changed. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The black and red T, which the actress wore as a minidress sans pants, showcased the superhero in one of his signature poses. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively first met on the set of Green Lanternin 2010, with Reynolds playing the titular superhero character and Lively as his love interest Carol Ferris. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 To this point, Gungnir has focused on superheroes, science fiction, and fantasy storytelling, and the deal with ProgCore will expand this into dark fantasy and sword and sorcery IP. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for superhero

See All Rhymes for superhero

Browse Nearby Words

superhelix
superhero
superheroine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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
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