Plural of Dregs
Although singular “dreg” exists, the common sediment, unwanted-remnant, and last-remaining-part senses are usually expressed as plural “dregs.” Treat “dregs” as the established plural expression rather than trying to pluralize it again.
“Dregs” is the usual plural-form noun for sediment, unwanted remnants, or what is left at the bottom or end of something.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| sediment at the bottom | dregs | Usual plural expression. |
| unwanted remnants | dregs | Usual plural expression. |
| rare/individual item where singular is genuinely intended | dreg | Singular headword exists. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Do you mean sediment, unwanted remnants, or the last remaining part?
If yes: Use “dregs.”
If no: Use singular “dreg” only if the context genuinely treats one item as a countable dreg.
Caveat: The existence of singular dreg does not make it the natural everyday counterpart in every dregs expression.
Examples
Only the coffee dregs remained in the cup.
The sediment sense normally uses plural “dregs.”
They were left with the dregs of the supplies.
The remnant sense uses the plural expression.
The dictionary records dreg as a singular noun.
Singular exists, but it is not required in ordinary dregs phrases.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “dregs” for sediment or unwanted remnants in the ordinary expressions.
Fast Test
If the intended meaning is sediment or the last unwanted remains, keep the established plural “dregs.”
Usage Boundary
Do not form a second plural such as “dregses.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- DREGS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge labels dregs a plural noun for sediment, unwanted remnants, and related senses.
- DREG Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster has a singular headword dreg but marks its principal senses as usually plural.