Plural of Vertex
Use either dictionary-recorded plural, while following the convention of your field or house style.
Both “vertices” and “vertexes” are accepted plurals of “vertex.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one vertex | vertex | Use the singular form. |
| traditional plural | vertices | Accepted and widely used plural. |
| regular English plural | vertexes | Also accepted. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the plural of “vertex”?
If yes: Use either “vertices” or “vertexes,” following field or house style.
If no: Use singular “vertex” for one.
Caveat: Both plural forms are accepted; specialized fields may strongly prefer “vertices,” so follow the terminology of the context rather than treating both as equally common everywhere.
Examples
The diagram labels one vertex.
One takes the singular “vertex.”
The polygon has several vertices.
“Vertices” is an accepted traditional plural.
The worksheet uses vertexes throughout.
“Vertexes” is also an accepted plural.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use either dictionary-recorded plural, while following the convention of your field or house style.
Fast Test
In technical contexts, check the field’s preferred form and use it consistently.
Usage Boundary
Do not present “vertexes” as automatically wrong simply because “vertices” 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.
- Vertex — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence recording both “vertices” and “vertexes” as plural forms of “vertex.”