paranormal

adjective

para·​nor·​mal ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-,
ˈpa-rə-
: not scientifically explainable : supernatural
paranormal noun
paranormality noun
paranormally
ˌper-ə-ˈnȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
ˌpa-rə-;
ˈper-ə-ˌnȯr-
ˈpa-rə-
adverb

Examples of paranormal in a Sentence

there are rumors that the old deserted mansion is the site of paranormal activity
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.
Both incarnations are medium-sized humanoids displaying big heads and uncanny paranormal powers. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025 Fans of mystery-box shows pondered whether Yellowjackets’ setting was paranormal. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025 The final chapter of the coming-of-age paranormal drama is going to be more than a giant spectacle, Matt Duffer said. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 Adele is one of many celebrities, including Joan Rivers and Nicolas Cage, who have claimed to have had paranormal experiences in their homes. Raven Brunner, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paranormal

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paranormal was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paranormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranormal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

paranormal

adjective
para·​nor·​mal ˌpar-ə-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce paranormal (audio)
: not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena
experiments in paranormal cognition of drawingsPsychological Abstracts
paranormally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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