Plural of Genus
“Genus” has two recorded plurals, “genera” and “genuses.” Merriam-Webster lists both; Cambridge foregrounds “genera” in biological classification. In taxonomy or another controlled discipline, follow the field’s established style rather than treating a general dictionary alternative as automatically interchangeable in every context.
Both “genera” and “genuses” are dictionary-recorded plurals of “genus”; biological classification normally foregrounds “genera.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one class/category | genus | Singular. |
| biological classification, plural | genera | Foregrounded taxonomic plural. |
| general plural | genera / genuses | Both dictionary-recorded. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you writing about biological taxonomic groups?
If yes: Use the established taxonomic plural “genera,” unless a controlling source says otherwise.
If no: In general English, both “genera” and “genuses” are dictionary-recorded.
Caveat: Discipline-specific usage can be narrower than general dictionary acceptance.
Examples
The family contains several genera.
Taxonomic plural commonly uses “genera.”
The essay compares different literary genuses.
“Genuses” is dictionary-recorded in general English.
This genus contains three species.
One takes singular “genus.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “genera” or dictionary-recorded “genuses” generally; taxonomy normally uses “genera.”
Fast Test
If the context is biological classification, follow the established taxonomic form and any specialist style guide.
Usage Boundary
Do not claim “genuses” is universally wrong, but do not flatten specialist taxonomy usage either.
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.
- GENUS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records plural genera and also genuses.
- GENUS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records genera as the plural of genus in biological classification.