plural

adjective

plu·​ral ˈplu̇r-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a class of grammatical forms usually used to denote more than one or in some languages more than two

2

: relating to, consisting of, or containing more than one or more than one kind or class

a plural society

plural noun

plurally

ˈplu̇r-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of plural in a Sentence

The word “trees” is a plural noun.

The plural form of the word “child” is “children.”

a plural verb such as “are” or “were” rather than a singular verb such as “is” or “was”

Recent Examples on the Web

Put aside the complicated metaphysics and speculative theology, and what is left is human beings struggling to patch a ship already at sea: to find ways to live together peacefully—and even prosper—in a changing, plural world. —Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023

That could include restructuring the adjacent stairway-elevator tower, skyway and bus stop and incorporating a new building or buildings, plural. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2024

Pretty much everybody has a pair of auricles or pinnae, which is plural for pinna. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024

This is what our earlier Nicholson fact-check said about that money and the apparent single plane (not the planes plural Hovde described): The deal released Iranian assets frozen under a variety of sanctions. —Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French plurel, from Latin pluralis, from plur-, plus more — more at plus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plural

• plural marriage

Kids Definition

plural

1 of 2 adjective

plu·​ral

ˈplu̇r-əl

: of, relating to, or being a word form used to indicate more than one

plural nouns

plurally

-ə-lē

adverb

plural

2 of 2 noun

: a form of a word used to show that more than one person or thing is meant