Meaning & use
fossils
Last updated
“fossils” is a form of “fossil”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The preserved remains or traces of ancient animals and plants found in rock.
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'fossil'. Use it with plural verbs, e.g. 'Fossils are...'
Patterns
- fossils of something
- fossils in something
- fossils from something
The museum has a collection of dinosaur fossils.
Scientists study fossils to learn about life millions of years ago.
We found some small fossils embedded in the limestone.
nounpluralinformaldisapproving
A person or thing that is very old-fashioned and no longer useful or relevant.
Grammar: Used figuratively, often in a slightly critical or humorous way. Singular: 'fossil'.
Patterns
- old fossils
- a bunch of fossils
The company's managers are a bunch of old fossils who refuse to change.
He called the committee a group of fossils stuck in the past.
Word forms
| singular | fossil |
|---|
Common combinations
- dinosaur fossils
- The paleontologists uncovered several dinosaur fossils in the desert.
- fossil record
- The fossil record shows a sudden increase in species diversity.
- fossil fuels
- Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- living fossil
- The coelacanth is often called a living fossil because it has changed little over millions of years.
Synonyms and how they differ
- remains
- More general; can refer to any leftover part of a dead thing, not necessarily mineralized. 'Fossils' specifically implies preservation in rock over a long time.
- relics
- Often used for objects from the past, especially those with historical or religious significance. 'Fossils' is used for natural remains.
Word family
- fossil noun
- The singular form; a single preserved remain or trace.
- fossilize verb
- To become or turn into a fossil.
- fossilization noun
- The process of becoming a fossil.
- fossiliferous adjective
- Containing fossils, as in fossiliferous rock.
Commonly confused: fossils or fossil?
fossils vs fossil
This is the singular form; 'fossils' is plural. Use 'fossil' for one, 'fossils' for more than one.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'fossils' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Fossils' is plural, so it takes a plural verb 'are'. Option A uses 'is' (singular), option C uses 'are' with singular 'fossil', and option D uses 'was' (singular past). Only B has correct subject-verb agreement.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fossils”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.