The Plural of Oasis: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever second-guessed yourself on what the plural form of oasis was in the English Language and also wanted to learn more about the word, it’s grammar, it’s history, and plenty of examples of it used in a sentence, this article is practically made for you!

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What Is the Definition of Oasis?

According to Merriam-Webster.com, the noun oasis (pronounces oh-aye-sēz) has these definitions and uses. 

  • a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)
    • The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.
  • something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. A pleasant place.
    • The small park is an oasis of peace and an oasis of calm amid the city’s many factories.
    • The Norwegian mountains are such an oasis.

What Is the Difference Between Oasis and Oases?

The plural word form of oasis is oases — not oasises. You would use oasis if it’s a single oasis and oases if you are talking about more than one oasis. You may want to look at the example below for more info.

  • Plural: 
    • There are many palm oases in the desert of Egypt
  • Singular
    • There are two types of oasis in the desert of Egypt

The History and Origin of the Word

Oasis’ derivation can be tracked all the way back to the age of 1613. It was used in the same definition as it is today “a fertile or green area in an arid region”. 

The etymology of the word oasis go back to Latin. The spelling never changed, oasis referred to an area in Egypt known as the Libyan Great Oasis of Kharge which is in Libya. The Latin word was borrowed from Greek root, which was in turn borrowed from Egyptian. The meaning translated from the original word in Egyptian is “fertile area in the desert”. 

Synonyms of Oasis From a Thesaurus

  • Asylum – something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
  • Bolt-hole – something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
  • Harbor – a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships 
  • Harborage – a part of body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships 
  • Haven – a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships
  • Refuge – something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
  • Retreat – an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable 
  • Sanctuary – a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
  • Sanctum – a place that is considered (within a religion) 
  • Shelter – something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger 
  • Anchorage – a part of a body water protected and deep enough to be place of safety for ships
  • Mooring – as in berth, slip, as in port, anchorage, to put securely in place or in the desired position
  • Port – a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships
  • Cover – a piece placed over an open container to hold in, protect, or conceal its contents
  • Screen – the art or business of making a movie
  • Abode – the place where one lives

Example Sentences of the Word in Context

Summary on Oasis

Now you are no doubt an English expert on using the correct plural form of our word of the day oasis and hopefully also took away a lot more about the word. Next time you are writing a paper or doing a crossword puzzle you can confidently use the correct plural form. I hope that you also took away some interesting knowledge/factoids about oasis today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oasis
  2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/newsletters/science/2020/07/nostalgia-can-cheer-you-up-july-22/
  3. https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/harford-magazine/bs-mg-ha-shopping-bag-patio-2020-20200819-qkz5w7catvfbff5shv35vhy5zi-list.html
  4. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/alexandra-stewarts-top-new-zealand-wellness-escapes
  5. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/08/coventry-neighborhood-fights-to-maintain-business-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html
  6. https://newrepublic.com/article/158681/waiting-for-the-barbarians-review-jm-coetzee-novel
  7. https://www.nola.com/news/communities/st_tammany/article_3988898c-d1b5-11ea-9144-0f6c6c999ed5.html
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/obituaries/david-galante-dead-coronavirus.html
  9. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/31/hurricane-laura-tortoise-daisy-missing-found-lake-charles-louisiana/3448179001/
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Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

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