# superhero

/ˌsupɝˈhiɹoʊ/ (US) · /sˈuːpəhˌiəɹəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/superhero
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fictional character

noun · CEFR A2

a character in a story, comic, or movie who has special powers and fights bad people.

For teachers: a fictional character, often originating in comic books, who possesses superhuman abilities and acts as a protector of society.

- Spider-Man is a famous superhero who can climb walls and catch criminals with webs.
- The modern cinematic landscape is dominated by superhero franchises that explore the moral complexities of possessing absolute power.

Usage: The word is often used as a compound noun or as an adjective in 'superhero movie'.

### 2. exceptional person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Humorous

a real person who does something incredibly brave or helpful.

For teachers: a person who performs extraordinary feats of courage or displays exceptional skill in a real-world context.

- My sister is a total superhero for working two jobs while finishing her degree.
- The community viewed the local doctor as a superhero after she worked tirelessly through the peak of the health crisis.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used as a hyperbolic compliment to acknowledge someone's hard work or resilience.

## Examples

- My favorite superhero can fly and move faster than light.
- The children dressed up as their favorite superhero for the party, wearing colorful capes and masks.
- Modern cinema has seen a massive resurgence in the superhero genre, often exploring the psychological burden of possessing god-like abilities in a world that fears what it cannot control.

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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.