plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: compensation for a loss or injury : recompense
trying to make amends for his bad behavior

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amendes, from Anglo-French, plural of amende reparation, from amender

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amends was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amends.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amends. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

amends

singular or plural noun
: something done or given by a person to make up for a loss or injury he or she has caused
make amends

More from Merriam-Webster on amends

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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