numerous

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs 

ˈnüm-rə-;

ˈnyü-mə-, 

ˈnyüm-rə-

: consisting of great numbers of units or individuals

born into a numerous family

also : many

received numerous complaints

The people I'd like to thank are too numerous to mention.

numerously adverb

numerousness noun

numerousness

2 of 2

noun

nu·​mer·​ous·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being numerous

Synonyms of numerous

Adjective

• many
• multiple
• several
• countless

Examples of numerous in a Sentence

Adjective

She decided to leave for numerous reasons.

The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In numerous jurisdictions, police can now respond to demonstrations with mine-proof armored vehicles, camouflage, body armor, and large-caliber weaponry. — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

According to the University of Florida, when looking for food, armadillos dig numerous holes in golf courses, lawns, flowerbeds, and gardens. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026

In addition to its numerous houses, the property plays host to a number of unique amenities, including a treehouse, a pond, a chapel, a crypt where Sheeran plans to be buried, and a private pub. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026

Growing up, the brothers accompanied their father to numerous doctor appointments but did not fully understand the severity of his health problems. — Dan Krauth, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Latin numerōsus, from numerus number entry 2 + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing numerous

• too numerous to list
• too numerous to mention

Rhymes for numerous

• humerus
• humorous

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs 

: consisting of great numbers

numerous friends

numerously adverb