agenda

[ uh-jen-duh ]

noun

, formally a plural of agendum, but usually used as a singular with plural a·gen·das or a·gen·da.

1. a list, plan, outline, or the like, of things to be done, matters to be acted or voted upon, etc.:

   The chairman says we have a lengthy agenda this afternoon.

agenda

/ əˈdʒɛndə /

noun

1. Also calledagendum functioning as singular a schedule or list of items to be attended to
2. Also calledagendasagendums functioning as plural matters to be attended to, as at a meeting of a committee

Usage Note

Agenda, “things to be done,” is the plural of the Latin gerund agendum and is used today in the sense “a plan or list of matters to be acted upon.” In that sense it is treated as a singular noun; its plural is usually agendas: The agenda is ready for distribution. The agendas of last year's meetings are printed in the official minutes. The singular agendum, meaning “an item on an agenda,” is rare.

Other Words From

• a·genda·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of agenda¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from Latin, plural of agendum “that which is to be done,” gerund of agere “to do, drive”; the plural originally carried a collective sense denoting the various items to be transacted

Word History and Origins

Origin of agenda¹

C17: Latin, literally: things to be done, from agere to do

Example Sentences

Seeing how easily Elphaba’s good nature is twisted to fit the agenda of those who seek uniformity and total control is unnervingly parallel to the racist rhetoric so often parroted by conservative mouthpieces.

From Salon

“Pennsylvania voters already rejected him and his bold-faced attacks on reproductive freedom — and now Trump is giving him an opportunity to force them on all Americans through the implementation of his Project 2025 agenda.”

From Los Angeles Times

One resolution to reaffirm "our commitment to immigrant students, families and staff" describes this month's presidential vote as "the election of the candidate who campaigned on an anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda."

From BBC

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Lutnick “will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.”

From Salon

A chapter in a 920-page document called Project 2025 offers the most specific guide to a possible Trump agenda for EPA.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• calendar
• plan
• program
• schedule
• timetable