What’s the plural of “symposium”?
The plural of symposium is symposia or symposiums. Both are accepted plurals of symposium.
We attended several interesting symposia last year. (Using the plural form symposia correctly)
The university hosted three symposiums on climate change this semester. (Using the plural form symposiums correctly)
We attended several interesting symposium last year. (Using the singular form symposium where a plural is needed)
This symposia covered many different topics. (Using a singular demonstrative this with the plural noun symposia)
What’s the singular of symposium?
Symposium is a singular noun.
What does the word symposium mean?
The word symposium is understood as “a conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject, especially a meeting at which several speakers talk on or discuss a topic before an audience.”
“symposia” as a plural of “symposium,” associate it with “analysis/analyses”—both use “-sis”/-ses” pluralization.
Other Latin nouns in English
| singular | plural |
|---|---|
| colloquium | colloquia or colloquiums |
| referendum | referenda or referendums |
| memorandum | memoranda or memorandums |
| curriculum | curricula or curriculums |
| addendum | addenda or addendums |
| symposium | symposia or symposiums |
Examples of the word symposium used in sentences
1. A symposium is a conference in which experts or academics discuss a particular subject.
2. Our final symposium of the year was on inflammatory bowel disease crossroads of microbes, epithelium and immune systems.
3. The symposium on AIDS research lasted two days.
4. Lee cited the symposium as one neutral forum in recent years.
5. He had been taking part in an international symposium on population.
Examples of symposia/symposiums used in application
1. These have included regular work-in-progress seminars, weekly post-graduate seminars, and over twenty colloquia and symposia.
2. There should be a maximum of 4-5 speakers per symposia (including discussant ).
3. The panelists have ruminated before in books, interviews and symposia.
4. He has also been on many panels and symposia.
5. He had more than a few symposia to survive before then.
Origin of the word symposium
From etymology online on symposium (n.):
1580s, “account of a gathering or party,” from Latin symposium “drinking party, symposium,” from Greek symposion “drinking party, convivial gathering of the educated”.
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Work Sheet
According to the post, what are the accepted plural forms of “symposium”?
Which of the following is NOT listed as an accepted plural of “symposium” in the post?
The post states that “symposium” is what type of noun?
Based on the “Usage Note” section, which sentence is grammatically correct?
The post suggests associating “symposia” with which other plural form to remember its pattern?
The main focused on renewable energy sources.
The university hosted three on climate change this semester.
We attended several interesting last year.
The schedule included numerous covering various topics.
Before the event, they had planned several to discuss the research findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural of symposium?
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Are symposia and symposiums correct?
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What does symposium mean?
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What is a common mistake with symposia?
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Are there other words like symposium?
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Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Symposium?." Grammarflex, Jun 4, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-symposium/.
Sources
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Definition of symposium.
