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

“He served our country faithfully in Guantanamo, Afghanistan, and Iraq and is a believer in peace through strength and the America First agenda.”

From Los Angeles Times

Payback is part of his agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s got a big agenda,” McCarthy said, adding that Trump is better prepared to govern than he was eight years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

“He hid his agenda,” Cox told me.

From Salon

The Israeli far right has indicated that it sees Huckabee’s appointment as a sign that it will be able to further advance its agenda, including annexation of the West Bank, during the next Trump term.

From BBC

Related Words

• calendar
• plan
• program
• schedule
• timetable