What is the Plural of 'Swine'?

Have you been wondering how to make the plural form of the word ‘swine’? This article will discuss that and how to use the plural form in a sentence.

The plural form of ‘swine’ is ‘swine’ and ‘swines’ is also acceptable in some cases.

Swine Definition & Meaning

The definition of the word ‘swine’ is “any of various stout-bodied short-legged omnivorous artiodactyl mammals (family Suidae) with a thick briskly skin and a long flexible snout” or “a contemptible person,” according to Merriam Webster.

Animals that make up the swine family include animals:

• Domestic Pigs
• Warthogs
• Wild Boars
• Pygmy Hogs

Synonyms of the word include:

• Beast
• Bastard
• Boor
• Buzzard
• Cad
• Chuff
• Clown
• Creep
• Cretin
• Joker
• Jerk
• Scum
• Slimeball
• Slob
• Snake
• Vermin

What is the Plural of ‘Swine’

The plural form of the word ‘swine,’ as stated above, can be swine or swines, but the former is the most commonly accepted plural form of the word.

Standard Pluralization Rules

The standard pluralization rule for nouns in the English language is to add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to words you want to make plural.

Some examples:

• Fan > Fans
• Dresser > Dressers
• Carrot > Carrots
• Tux > Tuxes
• Watch > Watches
• Catch > Catches

However, not all words follow this rule. For example, some words follow a different set of rules when they end in certain letters. Here are some examples.

For words that end in 'f' or 'fe,' you'd drop the 'f'' or 'fe' and add 'ves.' Here are some examples:

• Wife > Wives
• Knife > Knives
• Wolf > Wolves
• Leaf > Leaves
• Calf > Calves

For words that end in ‘y,’ you have to drop the ‘y’ and add ‘ies.’ Take a look at some examples:

• Fairy > Fairies
• Daisy > Daisies
• Cherry > Cherries
• Berry > Berries

But in some cases where a word ends in ‘y,’ you’d simply add an ‘s.’ It all depends on the word. Check out some examples:

• Boy > Boys
• Toy > Toys
• Stay > Stays
• Way > Ways
• Day > Days

Why the Singular and Plural Forms of Some Nouns Are the Same 

The singular and plural forms of some nouns are often the same. Other examples include:

• Species
• Sheep
• Grouse
• Staff
• Headquarters
• Deer

Using the Singular and Plural Forms in a Sentence

Since the plural form of the word ‘swine’ doesn’t follow traditional pluralization rules, using both forms in a sentence might be tricky if you choose not to use ‘swines,’ and instead stick with ‘swine.’

Take a look at an example of how to use it in a sentence (singular):

• You’re such a swine; don’t be so disgraceful.
• Act like a lady – not some swine.
• That pig is considered a swine animal.

Check out an example of how to use it in a sentence (plural):

• Swine are usually reared in large numbers around here but don't be overwhelmed.

Here’s an example of how to use it in a sentence (plural of 'swines'):

• Swines are usually found in rural areas of the country.

Using the Possessive Form of ‘Swine’ 

The possessive form of ‘swine’ is ‘swine’s.’ To use it in a sentence, you’d use it in the following way:

• That swine’s tail is curly and pink. (singular possessive)
• The swine’s pen needs to be cleaned today. (plural possessive)
• The swine pen needs to be cleaned today. (plural possessive)

Swines’ is never the correct way to use the singular or plural possessive form of the word.

Final Thoughts on Using the Singular and Plural Form of ‘Swine’

To recap, we learned that the plural form of the word ‘swine’ is either ‘swine’ or ‘swines.’ But most commonly, people use the former to pluralize the word.

The plural possessive form of the word is ‘swine’s.’

To remember the plural form of the word, remember it’s similar to other words that don’t change when they’re pluralized – like sheep and species.

Find yourself getting stumped on confusing words often? Browse our library of confusing English words and commonly misspelled words.