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.
Lakers scoring phenom Luka Doncic missed his first game of the young season with back tightness, leaving a giant hole in their offense with the NBA’s leading scorer (36 points per game) sitting out. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 As the two services, TV’s top dogs, battle for our attention, Netflix has been making a concerted effort in recent years to convert YouTube successes into phenoms on its own platform. — Caroline Darya Framke, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 No one disputes that 3-year-old Nevada, who can be seen in several videos dominating on the pitch against kids one and two years older than him, is a soccer phenom. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The former will undoubtedly be supplied by Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers’ 24-year-old flame-throwing phenom and probable Cy Young Award winner. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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