Plural of Oasis
“Oasis” has the irregular plural “oases.” The spelling changes from -is to -es, and the plural also has a different ending pronunciation. Use “oases” for more than one literal desert oasis and for plural figurative refuge/relief uses.
The plural of “oasis” is “oases.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one refuge or fertile place | oasis | Singular. |
| more than one | oases | Standard plural. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one oasis?
If yes: Use “oases.”
If no: Use singular “oasis.”
Caveat: The plural is not formed by simply adding -s or -es to the full singular spelling.
Examples
Several oases lie along the old route.
More than one oasis takes “oases.”
The parks became quiet oases in the city.
The figurative sense uses the same plural.
The camp stood beside an oasis.
One takes singular “oasis.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “oases” when referring to more than one oasis.
Fast Test
If the quantity is one, use “oasis”; if it is more than one, use “oases.”
Usage Boundary
The irregular spelling is part of the noun’s standard plural pattern.
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.
- OASIS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records oases as the plural of oasis and gives the plural pronunciation.