¹-s

noun plural suffix \s after a voiceless consonant, z after a voiced consonant or a vowel\

—used to form the plural of most nouns

Full Definition of -S

—used to form the plural of most nouns that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, or postconsonantal y <heads> <books> <boys> <beliefs>, to form the plural of proper nouns that end in postconsonantal y <Marys>, and with or without a preceding apostrophe to form the plural of abbreviations, numbers, letters, and symbols used as nouns <MCs> <PhD's> <4s> <the 1940's> <$s> <B's> — compare ¹-es

Origin of -S

Middle English -es, -s, from Old English -as, nominative & accusative plural ending of some masculine nouns; akin to Old Saxon -os

²-s

adverb suffix

Definition of -S

—used to form adverbs denoting usual or repeated action or state <always at home Sundays> <mornings he stops by the newsstand>

Origin of -S

Middle English -es, -s, plural ending of nouns, from -es, genitive singular ending of nouns (functioning adverbially), from Old English -es

³-s

verb suffix

Definition of -S

—used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, or postconsonantal y <falls> <takes> <plays> — compare ²-es

Origin of -S

Middle English (Northern & North Midland dialect) -es, from Old English (Northumbrian dialect) -es, -as, probably from Old English -es, -as, 2d singular present indicative ending — more at -est

-S Defined for Kids

¹-s

noun plural suffix \s after sounds f, k, p, t, th; əz after sounds ch, j, s, sh, z, zh; z after other sounds\

Definition of -S for Kids

—used to form the plural of most nouns that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, x, or y following a consonant <heads> <books> <beliefs> and with or without an apostrophe to form the plural of abbreviations, numbers, letters, and symbols used as nouns <4s> <#s> <B's>

²-s

adverb suffix

Definition of -S for Kids

—used to form adverbs showing usual or repeated action or state <We are always at home Sundays.>

³-s

verb suffix

Definition of -S for Kids

—used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that do not end in s, z, sh, ch, x, or y following a consonant <falls> <takes> <plays>