abounded; abounding; abounds

intransitive verb

1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : to be prevalent
a business in which opportunities abound
errors and inconsistencies abound
2
: to be copiously supplied
used with in or with
life abounded in mysteriesNorman Mailer
institutions abound with evidence of his successJohns Hopkins Magazine

Examples of abound in a Sentence

They live in a region where oil abounds. a city that abounds with art museums and private galleries
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chaos continues to abound in college football this season. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Because, obviously, spoilers abound. Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2025 The pieces extending the collection kept spotlighting the boldness of gold and playing with talismans centered on key themes of the brand, such as the evil eye symbol abounding on necklaces and minimal earrings and rings nodding to the shape of the snake. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Upscale touches abound in the shareable steakhouse-style sides, from the Champagne-Battered Onion Rings ($18) to the Black Truffle Macaroni Gratinee ($21). Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abound

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abounden, borrowed from Anglo-French abunder, borrowed from Latin abundāre "to overflow, be full, be plentifully supplied (with)," from ab- ab- + undāre "to rise in waves, surge, flood," verbal derivative of unda "wave" — more at water entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abound was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Abound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abound. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

abound

verb
1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity
wildlife abounds
2
: to be filled or abundantly supplied
a stream abounding in fish

More from Merriam-Webster on abound

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