lice
The plural of "louse" is lice.
lice is an irregular plural. It does not follow the usual -s rule.
Meaning: a small insect that lives in hair or on animals (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use a plural verb with lice: the lice are. Because lice does not end in s, the possessive plural is lice's.
How do you pronounce it?
louse is pronounced /laʊs/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
lice is an irregular plural, like mice from mouse. In the sense of a mean person, the plural is louses.
Did you know?
- Plurals like mice, geese and feet change their vowel instead of adding an ending. Linguists call this mutation, and it goes back to early Germanic.
Examples in context
- The school sent a letter about head lice.Singular: The school sent a letter about a head louse.
- Lice spread quickly.Singular: A louse spreads quickly.
