Explore this extensive list of foreign plural nouns in English, categorized by their language of origin including Latin, Greek, French, Italian, and Hebrew words.
Understanding Foreign Plurals in English
The English language is famous for borrowing words from other tongues, notably Latin, Greek, French, Italian, and Hebrew. While many loanwords eventually adopt regular English plural rules (such as adding -s or -es), many retain their original foreign plural forms—especially in technical, academic, and literary contexts.
Below is a comprehensive and organized guide to common foreign plurals in English, categorized by language of origin and suffix patterns. For more grammar insights, visit our comprehensive English Grammar Learning Hub.
1. Latin Loanwords and Plurals
Latin has contributed a large portion of irregular plurals in English. These typically follow predictable changes based on original Latin noun declensions.
Nouns ending in -us → -i
- Alumnus → Alumni (male or mixed group)
- Cactus → Cacti (or Cactuses)
- Focus → Foci (or Focuses)
- Fungus → Fungi (or Funguses)
- Locus → Loci
- Nucleus → Nuclei
- Radius → Radii
- Stimulus → Stimuli
- Syllabus → Syllabi (or Syllabuses)
- Terminus → Termini
Nouns ending in -a → -ae
- Alumna → Alumnae (female group)
- Formula → Formulae (or Formulas)
- Larva → Larvae
- Minutia → Minutiae
- Nebula → Nebulae (or Nebulas)
- Vertebra → Vertebrae
Nouns ending in -um → -a
- Aquarium → Aquaria (or Aquariums)
- Atrium → Atria (or Atriums)
- Bacterium → Bacteria
- Curriculum → Curricula (or Curriculums)
- Datum → Data
- Gymnasium → Gymnasia (or Gymnasiums)
- Medium → Media (or Mediums in spiritual contexts)
- Memorandum → Memoranda (or Memorandums)
- Millennium → Millennia (or Millenniums)
- Ovum → Ova
- Spectrum → Spectra (or Spectrums)
- Stratum → Strata
- Symposium → Symposia (or Symposiums)
Nouns ending in -ex or -ix → -ices
- Appendix → Appendices (or Appendixes)
- Dominatrix → Dominatrices
- Index → Indices (in math/science) or Indexes (in publishing)
- Matrix → Matrices
- Vertex → Vertices
- Vortex → Vortices (or Vortexes)
2. Greek Loanwords and Plurals
Greek loanwords are particularly prevalent in science, medicine, psychology, and philosophy.
Nouns ending in -is → -es
- Analysis → Analyses
- Axis → Axes
- Basis → Bases
- Crisis → Crises
- Diagnosis → Diagnoses
- Emphasis → Emphases
- Hypothesis → Hypotheses
- Oasis → Oases
- Parenthesis → Parentheses
- Synopsis → Synopses
- Thesis → Theses
Nouns ending in -on → -a
- Criterion → Criteria
- Phenomenon → Phenomena
Nouns ending in -ma → -mata
- Dogma → Dogmata (or Dogmas)
- Schema → Schemata (or Schemas)
- Stigma → Stigmata (or Stigmas)
3. French Loanwords and Plurals
French loanwords ending in -eau typically take an -x in their native plural form, though standard English endings are increasingly common in everyday usage.
- Château → Châteaux (or Châteaus)
- Tableau → Tableaux (or Tableaus)
- Beau → Beaux (or Beaus)
4. Italian Loanwords and Plurals
Italian loanwords, especially those related to music, culinary arts, and fine arts, sometimes keep their native vowel shifts.
- Bandit → Banditti (traditional) or Bandits
- Graffito → Graffiti (commonly treated as a mass noun in modern English)
- Libretto → Libretti (or Librettos)
- Solo → Soli (in classical music) or Solos
- Virtuoso → Virtuosi (or Virtuosos)
5. Hebrew Loanwords and Plurals
In Hebrew grammar, masculine plurals generally end in -im, while feminine plurals end in -ot.
- Cherub → Cherubim (or Cherubs)
- Kibbutz → Kibbutzim
- Seraph → Seraphim (or Seraphs)
Usage Note: Classical vs. Anglicized Plurals
In everyday speech and casual writing, many speakers prefer Anglicized plurals (such as cactuses, formulas, and memorandums). However, formal, academic, and scientific styles often require traditional classical forms (such as cacti, formulae, and memoranda). Always consult your target publication's specific style guide when writing for professional audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign Plurals
What is a foreign plural in English grammar?
A foreign plural refers to a loanword brought into the English language from another language—such as Latin, Greek, or French—that retains its original native rules for forming plural nouns instead of adding standard English -s or -es suffixes.
Are Anglicized plurals considered correct?
Yes, many Anglicized plurals are now widely accepted in modern English dictionaries and everyday communication, though formal academic or scientific writing may still prefer traditional foreign plural forms.
How do I know which plural form to use?
Consult a reputable dictionary or your organization's specific style guide. Scientific and technical fields often lean toward traditional forms like data and bacteria, while general contexts easily accept standardized plurals.