Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Life”?
Learn the singular and plural noun forms, the rule behind the plural, and examples that show the form in context.
Singular and Plural Form of Life
Life is the singular noun form. Lives is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: The time from when you are born until you die; being alive.
Why is the Plural of Life “lives”?
The Irregular Plural Rule for Life
This noun has an irregular plural form that does not follow standard English pluralization rules.
Plural pattern: irregular.
How to Remember the Plural of Life
“life” → “lives” is an irregular plural — there is no rule, so memorise the pair as a whole. Try writing it in 3 sentences today.
A common slip-up: Sometimes pronounced with short vowel /lɪf/; should be /laɪf/ rhyming with 'wife'..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Life
See life and lives used in real sentences side by side.
- My grandmother had a long and happy life. A1
- Good health is important for a quality life. A2
- Each person's life has unique lessons and experiences. A2
Common Plural Mistakes with Life
Wrong: The lifes of many people improved.
Correct: The lives of many people improved.
Plural of 'life' is irregular 'lives' (like 'wife→wives'), not 'lifes'.
How to Pronounce Life and Lives
One syllable: /laɪf/. Rhymes with 'wife', 'knife', 'strife'. The vowel is /aɪ/ diphthong.
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Life
These nouns follow the same irregular rule. Click any word to see its plural page.
A young boy or girl who is not yet an adult.
the two parts at the bottom of your legs that touch the…
A tiny insect that lives around food and moves very fast.
One of two equal parts that make up something complete.
A grown-up male person. A man is an adult male, not a…
The ability to remember things from the past, or the thought you…
One human; a single individual.
Money that a person earns from their job, paid regularly by their…
Origin and Etymology of Life
From Old English 'lif', related to 'live'.
Cultural note: Universal concept across all human cultures; central to philosophy, religion, and personal identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Life
What is the plural of “life”?
The plural of “life” is “lives”.
Is “lives” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as irregular based on the available plural data.