diff --git a/icu4c/source/i18n/regeximp.h b/icu4c/source/i18n/regeximp.h
index 38b7bbbc62..d536d82b80 100644
--- a/icu4c/source/i18n/regeximp.h
+++ b/icu4c/source/i18n/regeximp.h
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ enum {
      URX_DOLLAR        = 24,  // Also for \Z
 
      URX_CTR_INIT      = 25,   // Counter Inits for {Interval} loops.
-     URX_CTR_INIT_NG   = 26,   //   3 kinds, normal, non-greedy, and possesive.
+     URX_CTR_INIT_NG   = 26,   //   3 kinds, normal, non-greedy, and possessive.
                                //   These are 4 word opcodes.  See description.
                                //    First Operand:  Data loc of counter variable
                                //    2nd   Operand:  Pat loc of the URX_CTR_LOOPx