The plural of tigress is tigresses.
Understanding the Plural Form of "Tigress"
The word "tigress" refers to a female tiger. Its plural form, tigresses, is created by adding the suffix "-es" to the singular noun. This follows a common English pluralization rule for nouns ending in "-s", "-ss", "-sh", "-ch", "-x", or "-z".
- Singular: Tigress (pronounced /ˈtaɪgrəs/)
- Plural: Tigresses (pronounced /ˈtaɪgrəsɪz/)
This rule ensures that the plural form is easily pronounced and clearly distinct from the singular.
Exploring the Word "Tigress"
A tigress is the specific term used for a female tiger. The word itself is derived from "tiger" with the feminine suffix "-ess" appended, much like "lion" becomes "lioness". This suffix historically denoted the feminine form of a noun in English.
Usage in Context
Understanding the plural is essential when referring to multiple female tigers in various contexts:
- Wildlife Conservation: "Conservationists are working to protect the tigresses and their cubs in the national park."
- Literature and Mythology: "Ancient tales often depicted powerful tigresses as fierce protectors of their young."
- Zoology: "The enclosure is home to two adult tigresses and their offspring."
Common Pluralization Patterns for Nouns Ending in "-ess"
The formation of the plural for "tigress" follows a predictable pattern shared by many other English nouns, particularly those ending in "-ess". This pattern involves adding "-es" to the singular form.
| Singular Noun | Plural Form | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Tigress | Tigresses | Several tigresses roamed the dense jungle. |
| Lioness | Lionesses | We observed three lionesses hunting in the savanna. |
| Princess | Princesses | The royal ball was attended by many beautiful princesses. |
| Actress | Actresses | The film featured a talented cast of actresses. |
| Governess | Governesses | The children were supervised by strict governesses. |
For further reference on the definition and usage of "tigress," you can consult reputable dictionaries such as the Oxford Learner's Dictionaries.
Why the "-es" Suffix?
The addition of "-es" is a common strategy in English to form plurals of nouns that end in a sibilant sound, which includes sounds like /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʒ/ (zh), /tʃ/ (ch), and /dʒ/ (j). When a word ends in "-ss," adding just "-s" would be difficult to pronounce distinctly as a separate syllable. The "-es" creates an extra syllable, making the plural form clear and easy to articulate (e.g., tig-ress-es). This linguistic rule helps maintain phonetic clarity in spoken English.
