Plural of Fungus
Cambridge records both “fungi” and “funguses” as plurals of “fungus.” The classical plural is therefore not the only accepted English plural.
Both “fungi” and “funguses” are accepted plurals of “fungus.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one organism | fungus | Use the singular form. |
| classical plural | fungi | Accepted plural. |
| regularized English plural | funguses | Also accepted. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the plural of “fungus”?
If yes: Use either “fungi” or “funguses,” following field or house style.
If no: Use singular “fungus” for one organism.
Caveat: Both plural forms are recorded; scientific or editorial convention may favor one, so the choice is not a simple right-versus-wrong contrast.
Examples
Several fungi were visible on the sample.
“Fungi” is an accepted classical plural.
Several funguses can affect the same plant.
“Funguses” is also a recorded English plural.
A fungus was growing on the surface.
One organism takes the singular “fungus.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “fungi” and “funguses” are accepted plural forms.
Fast Test
Use the plural expected by your field or house style and keep the choice consistent.
Usage Boundary
Do not mark “funguses” wrong merely because “fungi” is the classical plural.
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.
- Fungus — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Learner-dictionary evidence recording both fungi and funguses as plurals of fungus.