agenda

American  

[uh-jen-duh] / əˈdʒɛn də /

noun

agendum, agendas, agenda

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.

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agenda British  

/ əˈdʒɛndə /

noun

1. Also called: agendum.  (functioning as singular) a schedule or list of items to be attended to

2. Also called: agendas.   agendums.  (functioning as plural) matters to be attended to, as at a meeting of a committee

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Usage

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 Word Forms

• agendaless adjective

Etymology

Origin of agenda

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

Example Sentences

Her allies in Washington, including several prominent Republican lawmakers, said they hoped that an in-person meeting with the charismatic opposition leader would bring a democratic transition back on the president’s agenda.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first session on Friday morning was “Leadership in Uncertain Times,” including Michael Dell, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano and Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford, according to an agenda reviewed by the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal

She added: “We addressed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending matters between our governments.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Warren may as well speak of an “achievability agenda.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Takaichi reportedly hopes a bigger majority will help her implement her agenda of more "proactive" fiscal spending, and may also help her break the deadlock in a spat with China.

From Barron's

Related Words

• calendar
• plan
• program
• schedule
• timetable