multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the state of being many

… the mind falters, confused by the multitude and yet the harmony of the detail …

—Theodore Dreiser

2

: a great number : host entry 4

a multitude of choices

a multitude of complaints

3

: a great number of people

A multitude gathered to hear the governor's speech.

4

: populace, public

a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude

Synonyms of multitude

• throng
• crowd
• flock
• swarm
• horde

Examples of multitude in a Sentence

a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude

awed by the multitude of stars in the night sky

Recent Examples on the Web

That globe—which blooms all year in warm climates—is actually a multitude of symmetrical golden-yellow florets. —Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026

New York City is awash in a multitude of World Cup 2026 events in all five boroughs, many of them hosted by cultural institutions eager to introduce fans to the history, heroism and passion of the game. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026

Alliums, also called flowering onions, are available in a multitude of sizes and colors, although pink/purple is most common. —Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026

Yes, dear reader, the Knicks game was playing at the Chanel dinner—fashion people contain multitudes! —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin multitudin-, multitudo, from multus much — more at meliorate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing multitude

• cover/hide a multitude of sins
• the multitude

Rhymes for multitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

Kids Definition

multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd 

: a great number of things or people