phenom

[fee-nom, fi-nom]

noun

Slang.

1. a phenomenon, especially a young prodigy.

   a twelve-year-old tennis phenom.

phenom

/ fɪˈnɒm /

noun

1. informal,  a person or thing of outstanding abilities or qualities

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenom¹

By shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenom¹

C20: from _phenom ( _enon )

Example Sentences

In the upcoming “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” based on the stage musical, L.A.-born phenom Tonatiuh announces himself as a player to watch, with serious ambitions.

From Los Angeles Times

Back in January, the Dodgers’ acquisition of the Japanese phenom felt like a coup.

From Los Angeles Times

On one side was a teenage phenom navigating an early jump to college.

From Los Angeles Times

They could have grabbed one of the SEC pitchers, or Corona High phenom Seth Hernandez.

From Los Angeles Times

This was because of the glut of high school phenoms who turned into pro duds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplished 
• adept 
• apt 
• capable 
• competent 
• conversant 
• efficient 
• experienced 
• gifted 
• qualified 
• skillful 
• talented 
• trained www.thesaurus.com
• versed 

When To Use

What does phenom mean?

A phenom is a person with an extraordinary talent or ability. The word is especially used to refer to a relatively young person who is considered a prodigy.Phenom is a shortened version of the word phenomenon, which can be used to mean the same thing.The word phenom is often preceded by the particular field that the phenom excels in or the skill that they have, as in chess phenom or basketball phenom.Example: All eyes are on the gymnastics phenom as she makes her first international appearance.