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.
This technology has been deployed only in the latest and greatest superhero movies. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 Things are going from bad to worse for Milly Alcock’s DC superhero flop Supergirl at the domestic box office. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 In April, Marvel laid off the bulk of its visual-development department, a group consisting of seasoned concept artists who helped turn the studio’s comic-book superheroes into movie stars. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 But smart casting, witty writing, lively directing, and artful character development have also yielded the rare superhero riff that, as Kovak puts it, finds the human underneath. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 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 10 Jul. 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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