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.
No other genre has had the box-office success the past 25 years like the superhero movie. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 My fatigue over the current array of contemporary superhero films where the only thing at stake is everything is not unique to me. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 June 2026 Before the pandemic, superhero movies of all shapes and sizes were seemingly untouchable at the box office. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 June 2026 But as soon as the internet’s favorite couple, Zendaya and Holland, stop walking red carpets and doing press together, audiences are likely to put superhero movies on the back burner once again. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 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 7 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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