English · Word Candidate

superhero

/ˈs(j)upɚhɪɹoʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: superheroes

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Any fictional crime-fighting character, often with supernatural powers or equipment, in popular children's and fantasy literature; a fictional hero who does great things.

Noun

Examples

Hobbes: Super heroes wear snow pants? Stupendous Man: When there's snow out, they do!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A particularly renowned real-world hero, or one who has seemingly impossible abilities.

Noun

Examples

The power is out but you're watching TV? You must be a superhero.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “superhero” mean?

Any fictional crime-fighting character, often with supernatural powers or equipment, in popular children's and fantasy literature; a fictional hero who does great things.

Is “superhero” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.