One of my most popular products is my platypus stuffed animal. Because of this, I am often asked for the plural of “platypus.” It’s an odd word and many people guess “platypi” and sometimes “platypuses.” I thought it would be fun to do a little research and find out what really is the acceptable plural of “platypus.”
The dictionary seemed like a logical place to start. According to Merriam-Webster and dictionary.com, the plural can be either “platypuses” or “platypi.” My computer dictionary lists only “platypuses” as a plural form.
A Wikipedia article on the platypus states that the proper plural is “platypuses” or just “platypus.” “Platypi” is considered to be incorrect, as it assumes the word “platypus” comes from Latin when it was really derived from Greek. An Australian website devoted to information about the platypus agrees with the Wikipedia article. It further states that “platypus” is the most-used term in scientific fields.
And, if it counts for anything, my computer’s autocorrect accepts “platypuses,” but not “platypi.”
So it looks like the most accepted plural of “platypus” is “platypuses” or simply “platypus.” But whatever you call them, it’s hard to go wrong with a cuddly stuffed animal to love. My plush platypus toys are guaranteed not to care which plural you use.