Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Man”?
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 Man
Man is the singular noun form. Men is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: A grown-up male person. A man is an adult male, not a boy or woman.
Why is the Plural of Man “men”?
The Irregular Plural Rule for Man
This noun has an irregular plural form that does not follow standard English pluralization rules. Irregular form from corpus
Plural pattern: irregular.
How to Remember the Plural of Man
“man” → “men” 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: Some learners confuse it with 'men' (plural) or say it like 'min'..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Man
See man and men used in real sentences side by side.
- The man is reading a newspaper in the park. A1
- That man works as a doctor at the hospital. A2
- A successful businessman is often a man of principle and integrity. B2
Common Plural Mistakes with Man
Wrong: There are three man in the room.
Correct: There are three men in the room.
Plural of man is 'men', not 'mans'. This is an irregular plural.
Wrong: The mans are playing football.
Correct: The men are playing football.
Cannot add -s to make 'mans'. The irregular plural is 'men'.
How to Pronounce Man and Men
Sounds like 'mæn' — rhymes with 'can' or 'pan'. First sound is the 'a' in 'cat'.
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Man
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.
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…
A word to point to or show a specific person or thing,…
Origin and Etymology of Man
From Old English mann, cognate with Old Saxon man and Old High German man. Historically meant 'human being' in general.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Man
What is the plural of “man”?
The plural of “man” is “men”.
Is “men” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as irregular based on the available plural data.