Buses or Busses: What’s the Correct Plural of “Bus”?

Ever been writing or typing and suddenly wondered—is it “buses” or “busses”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s one of those tricky little spelling dilemmas that can make you second-guess yourself. Whether you’re talking about catching the morning bus or writing a story that involves a fleet of them, knowing the correct plural form matters, especially if you want your writing to look polished and professional.

In this quick guide, we’ll break down the difference between “buses” and “busses”, explain which one is considered correct, and when—if ever—you should use the other. It’s a simple fix once you know the rule, and by the end, you’ll never hesitate again when talking about multiple buses. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all!

Buses Is the Correct Plural of Bus

Let’s get straight to the point: “buses” is the standard and correct plural form of “bus.”

You use “buses” when referring to more than one vehicle that transports people, such as:

• School buses
• City buses
• Tour buses
• Shuttle buses

This is the form recognized by:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• Oxford English Dictionary
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Grammar authorities like Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook

Examples:

• “We missed two buses this morning.”
• “Electric buses are now running across the city.”

This isn’t just a preference. “Buses” is the universally accepted plural in modern English.

Why People Confuse Buses and Busses

The confusion mainly comes from the spelling rule about doubling consonants.

In English, we double the consonant before adding -es when a word ends in a single vowel + single consonant (like kiss → kisses). So naturally, people think bus → busses. But that’s not how it works here.

Why not “busses” for vehicles?

• The base word “bus” is short for “omnibus.”
• It ends in a consonant, but it doesn’t follow the doubling rule because “bus” is a loanword.
• “Buses” follows the same pattern as other similar loanwords.

Misunderstanding this rule leads to the mistaken use of “busses.”

What Is a Bus? A Quick Refresher

A bus is a large motor vehicle that carries passengers, typically along a fixed route and on a schedule.

Common Types of Buses:

Type	Description
School Bus	Used to transport students
Transit Bus	Operates in cities on public routes
Coach Bus	Used for long-distance travel or tours
Minibus	Smaller version, often used for group shuttles
Double-Decker	Two levels, common in the UK
Articulated Bus	Extra-long with a pivoting joint in the middle

Buses play a crucial role in public transportation systems all around the world.

When “Busses” Is Technically Correct

Here’s where things get tricky.

The word “busses” isn’t wrong—but it doesn’t mean what most people think.

“Busses” is the plural of “buss,” which is an archaic term for “kiss.”

You might find “buss” in old poetry or romantic novels, but not in everyday conversation. Most people wouldn’t even recognize the word.

Examples:

• “She gave him several busses on the cheek before he left.”

So yes, “busses” is a real word—but it’s not the plural of “bus” when you’re talking about vehicles.

Similar Pluralization Rules in English

The confusion with “buses” vs “busses” isn’t unique. English has a few words that follow irregular plural rules:

Singular	Incorrect Plural	Correct Plural
Bus	Busses	Buses
Gas	Gasses	Gases
Kiss	Kisses	Kisses
Box	Boxs	Boxes

Rule of Thumb:

• If the word ends in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh,” you usually add -es.
• Only double the consonant when the root word follows a specific vowel-consonant pattern (like hop → hopped).

Understanding this helps prevent future mix-ups.

Alternative Words for Bus

Depending on the context or region, there are many other ways to refer to a “bus.”

Common Alternatives:

• Coach – Common in UK English for long-distance buses
• Shuttle – Usually refers to short, repeating routes (like airport shuttles)
• Minibus – Smaller-sized bus, often used privately
• Van – Sometimes used interchangeably for small passenger transport

Informal/Slang Terms:

• Ride
• Wheels
• Transit

Using the correct term improves clarity, especially in writing or professional communication.

Examples of “Buses” in Real Sentences

Seeing “buses” in action helps lock in the correct spelling. Here are some examples from real-world usage:

“The city added 50 new electric buses to its public transit fleet.” — The Guardian

“School buses in the district will operate on a staggered schedule this year.” — New York Times

“Tour buses lined the streets outside the concert venue.” — CNN

These examples are consistent across respected publications and everyday usage.

Where the Word “Bus” Comes From

The word “bus” is actually short for “omnibus,” a Latin word meaning “for all.”

Historical Background:

• 1820s France: The first horse-drawn carriages for public use were called “voiture omnibus” (carriage for all).
• 1830s England: The term was adopted as simply “omnibus.”
• Over time, it was shortened to “bus.”

This origin explains why the plural form follows the pattern of a foreign-derived word—not a native English term.

Quick FAQs About Buses vs Busses

Is “busses” ever right for vehicles?

No. “Busses” should only be used if you mean kisses—not vehicles.

Why isn’t it “busses” like “kisses”?

Because “bus” comes from “omnibus,” a borrowed word. It doesn’t follow native doubling rules.

Is “busses” in the dictionary?

Yes, but not for vehicles. It’s listed as the plural of “buss” (meaning “kiss”).

What if I see “busses” used for transportation?

It’s a spelling mistake. You might find it in informal or unedited writing.

Conclusion:

So, what’s the verdict? When you’re talking about more than one bus, the correct and most widely accepted plural is “buses.” Simple as that. While “busses” technically exists, it’s usually reserved for a different meaning—like kisses or hugs, not public transportation.

Language can be quirky, but now that you know the difference, you won’t have to second-guess yourself again. Stick with “buses” in almost every situation, and your writing will stay clear, correct, and professional.

Quick Reference Table: Buses vs Busses

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Correct Use Example
Buses	Noun (plural)	Vehicles for transport	“We saw five buses downtown.”
Busses	Noun (plural)	Archaic for “kisses”	“He gave her gentle busses.”