plural

adjective

plu·​ral ˈplu̇r-əl How to pronounce plural (audio)
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 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 Distinct vocal mannerism: Replaces most other consonants with b or d or mn while alternating between plural and singular nouns for no reason. Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2023 Traditionally agrarian, the kibbutzim (plural for kibbutz) were popular in the country’s early years, founded on ideals of communal living and agriculture. Amir Tal, CNN, 10 Oct. 2023 What was dubbed the Oslo accord (later to become plural after subsequent agreements) provided for the creation of the Palestinian Authority, among other things. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 More From House Beautiful Birds-of-paradise (yes, that's the plural form) are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 3 Sep. 2023 There’s also no record that JFS was ever violent toward his five subsequent plural wives after Levira. The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Aug. 2023 But the story right now is Trump’s indictments, plural. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Aug. 2023 Electoral competition, citizen participation and a plural Congress could be the result of Xóchitl's appearance as an electoral figure, and all are good news for Mexican and North American democracy. Armando Regil Velasco, Fox News, 30 July 2023 Priced at approximately $3.2 million, the home comes fully furnished, from the chic primary bedrooms (yes, plural) and the playful kids’ room to the game room and beyond. Ashley Hays-Weaver, Dallas News, 21 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near plural

Cite this Entry

“Plural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plural. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on plural

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