numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
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

Examples of numerous in a Sentence

She decided to leave for numerous reasons. The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.
Recent Examples on the Web Baldwin’s lawyers filed their first motion to throw out the indictment in March, alleging numerous abuses of the grand jury process. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 May 2024 While the season was filled with numerous challenges, Long adjusted, overcame them and eventually thrived. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for numerous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'numerous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near numerous

Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 10 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective
nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
: consisting of great numbers
numerous friends
numerously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on numerous

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