Nouns ending in -a (often Latin or scientific) add -e to form the plural.
Cicada is regular. It follows the -ae Addition rule.
Use plural verbs: "The cicadae are ready" (not "is ready").
Yes. The plural cicadae is standard across all English variants.
The word cicada follows the standard English pluralization rule. When forming the plural, cicada becomes cicadae. This follows the -ae Addition pattern, which is one of the most common plural rules in English.
Understanding why cicada becomes cicadae helps with spelling and pronunciation. Nouns ending in -a (often Latin or scientific) add -e to form the plural.
When using cicadae in writing, remember that it functions as a plural noun in sentences. It pairs with plural verbs and pronouns. For example: "The cicadae are ready" (not "is ready"). This subject-verb agreement is essential for grammatical correctness.