Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Louse”?
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 Louse
Louse is the singular noun form. Lice is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: a tiny bug that lives in people's hair and skin, causing itching and discomfort
Why is the Plural of Louse “lice”?
The Irregular Plural Rule for Louse
Most English nouns form the plural by adding -s. Example: louse → louses
Plural pattern: irregular.
How to Remember the Plural of Louse
“louse” → “lice” 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: louses (should be lice); lou-zee (should be louse).
Singular vs Plural Examples with Louse
See louse and lice used in real sentences side by side.
Singular: louse
- A louse can live for several weeks on a human host. B1
Plural: lice
- The child had head lice from school. A2
- The infestation required treatment with special lice shampoo. B2
Common Plural Mistakes with Louse
Wrong: There are three louses on his head
Correct: There are three lice on his head
Louse has an irregular plural; the vowel changes from /aʊ/ to /aɪ/
Wrong: The louses was found
Correct: The lice were found
Plural verb must agree with lice (plural); also louses is never correct
How to Pronounce Louse and Lice
Rhymes with house; the plural lice sounds like mice, with the /aʊ/ changing to /aɪ/
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Louse
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 Louse
Old English lūs, from Proto-Germanic *lus-; cognate with German Laus
Cultural note: Louse informally means a contemptible or selfish person. The adjective lousy means very bad or unpleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Louse
What is the plural of “louse”?
The plural of “louse” is “lice”.
Is “lice” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as irregular based on the available plural data.