How to Use Oasis Plural (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)

What’s the plural of “oasis”?

An oasis in Zzyzx, CA (formerly Soda Springs). Image by Steve H.

An oasis is a noun that refers to “a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found.” While the correct plural is oases, it's not uncommon to hear the singular used in plural contexts.

👍🏼 Examples: oasis vs. oases

✓ She felt he was an oasis of calm amid her chaotic family.

✓ The deserts in this region are replete with oases of all sizes.

Oasis is singular.
The correct plural of is oases (pronounced oh-ey-seez). We recommend sticking to oases in academic or formal writing contexts.

English Greek nouns (ending -is & –es)

Many nouns ending in -sis are of Greek origin. Like oasis, analysis, crisis, thesis, synopsis, and nemesis, these words form their plural by replacing -is with -es.

Singular	Plural
crisis	crises
diagnosis	diagnoses
oasis	oases
synopsis	synopses

💡Study Tip

To remember the plural of “oasis,” associate it with other words ending in “-sis” that form their plurals by changing to “-ses,” like “analysis” becomes “analyses.”

In sentences: oasis & oases

Noun: oasis	Example sentences
oasis (singular)	The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories. Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work. A tiny oasis of greenery offered shade and a place to rest on the scorching day. He discovered a hidden oasis behind the sand dunes and drank from its cool spring.
oases (plural)	Scattered oases dot the desert, each supporting pockets of life. The caravan paused at several oases to replenish their water supplies. Tourists visited the remote oases to see the unique palm groves. Ancient maps marked the locations of the oases used by traders.

Quotes from the media & literature, with oasis

Still, that chair looked like an oasis of of comfort. I could just see easing my tush down into it, luxuriating in it.

—M. Rockland, Bliss Case, 1989

In spite of all its cars, its crowded streets and its cheap stores for automotive workers, Detroit has a splendid oasis in the white stone Merrick Public Library.

—W. Wilkinson, Puppets through Amer, 1938

Many of the valleys in this region are mere sandy deserts, with an occasional oasis of cultivation.

—Encyclopædia Britannica, 1910

It would be impossible to imagine a more striking contrast than that of the freshness and life of the oases compared with the surrounding desert.

— J. McCabe, translation of P. Denis, Argentine Republic, 1922

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for oasis

haven sanctum sanctuary refuge retreat abode watering hole hideaway fertile area green spot water hole

Origin of the word oasis

The word oasis came into English from Greek (from Egyptian):

Oasis, from Ancient Greek: ὄασις, óasis, which in turn is a direct borrowing from Demotic Egyptian..

—Oasis, OED

FAQs

Q: What is the plural of “oasis”?

A: The plural of “oasis” is oases. This form is used for multiple fertile spots with water in a desert environment. Example: “We found several lush oases during our desert trek.”

Q: How do you pronounce the plural “oases”?

A: The plural form “oases” is pronounced “o-a-seez”. This follows the pattern for other Greek words ending in -sis that become -ses in the plural.

Q: How is the plural of “oasis” formed?

A: Like many Greek nouns ending in -sis, “oasis” forms its plural by changing the -is suffix to -es. The post compares it to analysis/analyses and crisis/crises.

Q: Are there common mistakes for “oasis” plural?

A: Yes, the post specifically mentions that “oasi” and “oasises” are incorrect forms. The correct plural is “oases”. Also, avoid adding an apostrophe-s like “oases’s”.

Q: How can I remember the plural form?

A: The post suggests remembering the plural “oases” by associating it with other words ending in “-sis” that form their plurals by changing to “-ses”, such as “analysis” becoming “analyses”.

Sources

Millar, Fergus. "Toynbee, Arnold Joseph (1889–1975), historian." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. January 03, 2008. Oxford University Press. Date of access 7 Sep. 2025, Oxford DNB
“Haven, N.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, June 2025, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. January 03, 2008. Oxford University Press. Date of access 7 Sep. 2025, haven
“Sanctum, N.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, December 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/5241043713.