1
a
: being or coming from on high
b
: heavenly, ethereal
supernal melodies
c
: superlatively good
supernal trumpet playing
2
: located in or belonging to the sky

Examples of supernal in a Sentence

an absolutely supernal performance of the concerto by a 16-year old prodigy a couple enjoying the supernal joys of parenthood for the first time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024 From the first supernal image of rain on a green field, Jean-Luc Godard’s Hail Mary (Je vous salue, Marie) approaches the mystical with a sense of radical awe. Armond White, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French supernel, from Latin supernus, from super over, above — more at over

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of supernal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supernal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernal. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

supernal

adjective
1
a
: being or coming from on high
b
: heavenly sense 3
supernal music
2
: located in or belonging to the sky
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!