Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Thief”?
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 Thief
Thief is the singular noun form. Thieves is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: Someone who takes things that do not belong to them, usually without being seen.
Why is the Plural of Thief “thieves”?
The Irregular Plural Rule for Thief
This noun has an irregular plural form that does not follow standard English pluralization rules.
Plural pattern: irregular.
How to Remember the Plural of Thief
“thief” → “thieves” 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: Saying /diːf/ or /tiːf/ instead of /θiːf/..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Thief
See thief and thieves used in real sentences side by side.
- He is a thief. A1
- The police caught the car thief near the parking lot. B1
- A thief broke into the store last night and stole money. B1
Common Plural Mistakes with Thief
Wrong: Two thiefs were caught.
Correct: Two thieves were caught.
Plural of thief is thieves, not thiefs (f changes to v).
How to Pronounce Thief and Thieves
The 'th' is voiceless: put your tongue between your teeth, no voice. /θiːf/ not /diːf/.
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Thief
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 Thief
Old English thēof, from Proto-Germanic *theubaz meaning thief.
Cultural note: The proverb 'set a thief to catch a thief' means using someone's skills against them.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Thief
What is the plural of “thief”?
The plural of “thief” is “thieves”.
Is “thieves” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as irregular based on the available plural data.