abound

verb

ə-ˈbau̇nd 

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 mysteries

—Norman Mailer

institutions abound with evidence of his success

—Johns Hopkins Magazine

Synonyms

• burst
• buzz
• teem
• bulge

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

Art, antique, and clothing boutiques also abound for those needing items to decorate their homes or add to their favorite outfit. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Great hikes abound throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, including the challenging Alum Cave Trail and the one-mile round-trip stroll to the top of Kuwohi. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

Frescoes abound in the oldest buildings, many of which date back to the 15th century (and some, even earlier). —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025

Optimism abounds, leaving the disappointment of last season’s 19-63 record in the rearview mirror. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing abound

• abound in/with

Rhymes for abound

• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• expound
• fairground
• foreground

Kids Definition

abound

verb

ə-ˈbau̇nd 

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