What’s the Plural of Beau? Unveiling the Correct Usage
Quick Answer
The plural of beau is beaus or beaux. Both are correct. A beau is a boyfriend or male admirer.
One: She has one beau.
More than one: She has two beaus.
Beau, Beaus, Beaux — See the Pattern
The word beau comes from French. It means “beautiful” or “handsome.” In English, we use it to mean a boyfriend or a man who is interested in someone.
In French, words that end in -eau get an -x to become plural. But in English, we usually just add -s. Look at these examples:
- one beau → two beaus or beaux
- one chateau → two chateaus or chateaux
- one bureau → two bureaus or bureaux
Did you see the pattern? All these words end in -eau. You can add -s (the English way) or -x (the French way). Both are correct.
| One (singular) | More than one — English way | More than one — French way |
|---|---|---|
| beau | beaus | beaux |
When to Use Beaus and When to Use Beaux
Both forms are correct. The one you choose depends on where you are writing:
- American English: Use beaus. The -x ending is very rare in the US.
- British English: Both beaus and beaux are fine. You might see beaux in older books or formal writing.
Today, most people say “boyfriend” or “partner” instead of “beau.” But you will still see beau in stories, songs, and old letters. It gives a sweet, old-fashioned feeling.
Easy way to remember: If you are not sure which to use, pick beaus. It works everywhere — American, British, formal, or casual.
The Rule in One Line: One beau, more than one beaus — just add -s. (Beaux is also correct.)
Real-Life Examples With Beau and Beaus
- She introduced her beau to her parents last weekend. (her boyfriend)
- In the old story, the princess had many beaus who wanted to marry her. (several admirers)
- My grandmother talks about her beaux from when she was young. (the men who liked her)
- Is that your new beau? He seems very nice! (one boyfriend)
- The novel describes a woman and her three beaus. (three admirers)
You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make with this word.
Two Mistakes to Avoid With Beau
Even native speakers pause before writing the plural of beau — so if this word confuses you, you are not alone. The French spelling makes it look harder than it really is.
✗ She had many beauxs when she was young.
✓ She had many beaus when she was young.
✗ All her beau’s brought flowers.
✓ All her beaus brought flowers.
✗ The story has two beaes.
✓ The story has two beaus.
How to remember: Never add both -x AND -s. Pick one ending. Add -s to get beaus, or change the ending to -x to get beaux. Do not write “beauxs” or “beaes” — those are not real words. And never use an apostrophe (’) to make a plural.
Other words from French that follow the same pattern: bureau → bureaus, chateau → chateaus, plateau → plateaus, tableau → tableaus.
Test Yourself: Beau or Beaus?
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. She introduced her _______ to her family at dinner.
2. In the old story, the princess had many _______.
3. My grandmother often talks about her _______ from many years ago.
4. Is that young man your new _______?
5. The novel describes a woman and her three _______.
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned that beau becomes beaus (or beaux). That is one more unusual plural you will never get wrong again.
But here is something interesting. The word chateau also ends in -eau and also comes from French. It means a big house or castle. So what is the plural — chateaus or chateaux? And can you use both, like with beau?
Next lesson: What Is the Plural of Chateau?
Sources
My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
