Plural of Scissors

The Quick Answer

The word "scissors" has no plural form.

The Plural of Scissors

"Scissors" has no plural form. We put "pair of" or "pairs of" in front of the word "scissors" to give it its plural form.

For example:
  • One pair of scissors
  • Two pairs of scissors
  • I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil. (Truman Capote) correct tick
  • (Unknown number)
  • When you own a pair of haircutting scissors, you cut your own hair constantly. (Emily Weiss) correct tick
  • (One pair of scissors)

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The Standard Rules for Forming the Plurals

The table below shows the standard rules for forming the plurals of nouns in English.
Type Example of Type Forming the Plural Plural
Most Nouns cat
scythe
add s cats
scythes
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z bus
dress
add es buses
dresses
Nouns ending [consonant] o mango
zero
tomato
add either s or es
(There are no rules for this - you have to know.)
mangoes or mangos
zeros
tomatoes
Nouns ending [vowel] o patio
ratio
add s patios
ratios
Nouns ending [consonant] y story
penny
change the y to an i and add es stories
pennies
Nouns ending [vowel] y storey (small British flag)
donkey
add s storeys
donkeys
Nouns ending f or fe dwarf
knife
ves and/or s
(There are no rules - you have to know.)
dwarfs
knives
Exceptions goose
louse
some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change geese
lice
More exceptions salmon
scissors
some nouns do not change at all salmon
scissors
Read more about English spelling rules.

Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Scissors?

Confusion arises because "scissors" has no plural form. Unfortunately, there is no clever way of knowing which nouns follow which rules. You have to know.
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.