# marvel

/ˈmɑɹvəɫ/ (US) · /mˈɑːvəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marvel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. a wonderful thing

noun · CEFR B2

something that is very impressive or surprising.

For teachers: a person or thing that evokes wonder, astonishment, or intense admiration.

- The new bridge is a marvel of modern engineering.
- The ancient city remains an architectural marvel, featuring complex irrigation systems that still function after two millennia.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'a marvel of [something]'.

### 3. the media franchise

noun · CEFR B1

a famous brand of comic books and movies featuring superheroes like Spider-Man.

For teachers: a proper noun referring to Marvel Comics or Marvel Studios, often used as a modifier for their shared fictional universe.

- He has seen every Marvel movie released in the last ten years.
- The success of the Marvel cinematic franchise has fundamentally altered the way major studios approach long-term narrative planning.

Teaching tip: In modern conversation, this is most frequently used as a proper noun for the entertainment brand.

## Examples

- The new bridge is a marvel of modern engineering.
- Visitors from all over the world come to see the ancient temple, which remains a marvel of architectural precision.
- The scientist's latest discovery is a marvel of biological research, potentially unlocking new treatments for diseases that were once considered incurable.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.