Word
phenom
Phoneticsphe·nom, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɛnəm/
UK/fˈɛnəm/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person, often young, who is extremely talented at something like sports or music. You use it when someone's ability feels rare and exciting.
n. an exceptionally talented individual, especially a young athlete or performer regarded as outstanding for their age. Shortened form of 'phenomenon', common in sports and entertainment reporting.
Examples
“The young striker is a real phenom on the field.”
“The 17-year-old tennis phenom wins match after match against far more experienced players.”
“Touted as a once-in-a-generation phenom, the rookie pitcher combines unusual control with calm focus under pressure.”
Examples
simple
“The young striker is a real phenom on the field.”
contextual
“The 17-year-old tennis phenom wins match after match against far more experienced players.”
complex
“Touted as a once-in-a-generation phenom, the rookie pitcher combines unusual control with calm focus under pressure.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “phenom” in context.
Verb
01. hype phenom
“The media continues to hype the phenom before every major tournament.”
verb + noun
02. phenom delivers
“The phenom delivers another flawless routine to seal the victory.”
noun + verb
03. phenom emerges
“A new phenom emerges every few years to reshape the sport.”
noun + verb
04. phenom shines
“The young phenom shines brightest under playoff pressure.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. generational phenom
“Scouts are calling her a generational phenom with unmatched court vision.”
adj + noun
06. rising phenom
“The rising phenom dominated the junior championship with effortless power.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. arrival of phenom
“The arrival of the phenom has transformed ticket sales this season.”
noun + prep + noun
08. buzz around phenom
“The buzz around the phenom grew after his sold-out debut concert.”
noun + prep + noun
09. reputation as phenom
“He built his reputation as a phenom long before turning professional.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a bona fide phenom
“At just sixteen, he is already a bona fide phenom on the golf tour.”
11. a high-school phenom
“The documentary follows a high-school phenom chasing a pro contract.”
12. hailed as a phenom
“He was hailed as a phenom following his record-breaking debut season.”
Etymology
Clipping of phenomenon (“remarkable occurrence”). American English, c. 1890s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/phenom