errata

American  

[ih-rah-tuh, ih-rey-, ih-rat-uh] / ɪˈrɑ tə, ɪˈreɪ-, ɪˈræt ə /

noun

1. plural of erratum.

2. a list of errors and their corrections inserted, usually on a separate page or slip of paper, in a book or other publication; corrigenda.

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errata British  

/ ɪˈrɑːtə /

noun

1. the plural of erratum

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Usage

Errata is originally the plural of the singular Latin noun erratum. Like many such borrowed nouns ( agenda; candelabra ), it came by the mid-17th century to be used as a singular noun, meaning “a list of errors or corrections to be made (in a book).” Despite objections by some to this singular use, it is common in standard English: The errata begins on page 237. When errata clearly means “errors,” it takes plural verbs and pronouns: Although errata were frequent in the first printing, most of them were corrected in subsequent printings. As a singular noun, errata has developed an English plural form erratas, which is rarely used.

Etymology

Origin of errata

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

The journal will assess the claims, he adds, and issue errata or retractions if warranted.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 10, 2022

Bik estimates that her discoveries have led to at least 172 retractions and more than 300 errata and corrections.

From Nature • May 12, 2020

If you have a correction to suggest, submit it through our errata reporting tool.

From Textbooks • Mar. 27, 2020

The errata of John M. Ford could fill volumes, if you could locate all of it.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2019

In the twenty years between the first shovelsful of dirt and the final errata sheets, the scientists concluded that paleo-Indians had occupied Monte Verde at least 12,800 years ago.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann