English · Word Candidate

superman

/ˈs(j)uːpəmæn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: supermen · Supermans

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An imagined superior type of human being representing a new stage of human development; an übermensch, an overman.

Noun

Examples

Nietzsche wrote of the coming of the superman.

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 man of extraordinary or seemingly superhuman powers.

Noun

Examples

[page 113] The idea of superman is as old as the world. Through all the centuries, through hundreds of centuries of its history, humanity has lived with the idea of superman. Sayings and legends of all ancient peoples are full of images of a superman. Heroes of myths, Titans, demi-gods, Prometheus,

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 3

Meaning · English

A stunt in which the rider releases both hands from the handlebars in mid-air.

Noun

Examples

[page 77] Riders should adapt their own style when doing Supermans, and shouldn't get hung up trying to do it the same way that someone else does. […] [page 79] An extension of the Superman is a trick called the Superman Seat Grab. Even more impressive than the Superman itself, this trick was again

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 4

Meaning · English

An exercise in which one lies prone and lifts one's arms and legs, with only the abdomen touching the ground.

Noun

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “superman” mean?

An imagined superior type of human being representing a new stage of human development; an übermensch, an overman.

Is “superman” formal or informal?

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