What does "plural" mean?
The plural number. In English, referring to more or less than one of something.
Plural
/ˈplʊə.ɹəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The plural number. In English, referring to more or less than one of something.
- Grammar: plural is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: plural form, a certain number, a few, certain.
- Useful contrasts: singular, single citizen, single component fault.
- Usage evidence: With horse racing and such, these are called "stakes". For this meaning the plural form is often used.
How to use "plural"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "plural" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "plural" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "plural" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "plural" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "plural" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "plural form" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "plural", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The plural number. In English, referring to more or less than one of something. uncountable
""There are three numbers; the singular, the dual, and the plural. [...] The dual is sometimes used to denote two objects, but even here the plural is more common.""
- 2 the form of a word that is used to denote more than one wordnet
- 3 A word in the form in which it potentially refers to something other than one person or thing; and other than two things if the language has a dual form. countable
"The plural of 'cat' is 'cats', but the plural of 'child' is 'children'."
- 4 A person with some form of multiplicity, particularly dissociative identity disorder. countable
"Singlet and monocultural identity is so normalized that many voice hearers and plurals don’t share their experiences with anyone, living in isolation (and sometimes in poverty) and spending considerable inner resources to manage postures and performances of ‘mental health’."
Adjective
- 1 Consisting of or containing more than one of something.
"The notion of culture is one whose meanings are plural and shifting."
- 2 In systems of number, not singular or not singular or dual.
"English nouns usually have singular and plural forms."
- 3 Pluralistic. comparable
"Although the nation was far more plural than Canada in the number of its Christian groups"
- 4 Having some form of multiplicity, especially dissociative identity disorder. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 grammatical number category referring to two or more items or units wordnet
- 2 composed of more than one member, set, or kind wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"With horse racing and such, these are called "stakes". For this meaning the plural form is often used."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "plural"?
Common synonyms include: plural form, a certain number, a few, certain, composite, dual.
How do you use "plural" in a sentence?
With horse racing and such, these are called "stakes". For this meaning the plural form is often used.
How do you pronounce "plural"?
Pronounced /ˈplʊə.ɹəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English plurelle, from Old French plurel (“plural”), Borrowed from Latin plūrālis (“of or belonging to more than one, belonging to many”, adjective), from plūs, plūris (“more”) + -ālis.