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

The Eighty-ninth Congress was potentially more fertile ground for the broad range of controversial programs on his dream agenda.

From The Daily Beast

There, many minority parents supported Tom Torklarson, who favored the education reform agenda.

From The Daily Beast

But inspiration and faith-based agenda in movies does not guarantee box office success.

From The Daily Beast

The first meeting featured multiple speakers deeply rooted in a partisan agenda.

From The Daily Beast

ALEC attracted corporations that saw an opportunity to push an agenda, regardless of ideology.

From The Daily Beast

Each delegate may be accompanied by advisers, who shall not exceed two in number for each item on the agenda of the meeting.

From Project Gutenberg

The place and agenda for this meeting shall be as specified in the Annex hereto.

From Project Gutenberg

Propositions exist relating to agenda—to things to do or be done, judgments of a situation demanding action.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most pathetic things in the volumes that cover his life is the constant reference to agenda—things he was to do.

From Project Gutenberg

But the agenda rapidly become nugae—impossibilities—and the reason was simply, as it ever is, the lack of time.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calendar
• plan
• program
• schedule
• timetable