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
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So, with risk abounding and ready-made players available, why continue to covet high schoolers? Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Amazon Prime Day is inching closer to its end, but big smartphone deals still abound. PC Magazine, 11 July 2025 More consistent waves are available at Jacó Beach, a popular surf spot with locals and partygoers near the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. Where to stay Surf camps abound in nearly as many spots. AFAR Media, 8 July 2025 Hints abound that many rockers here are no longer in their 1970s prime. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 July 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 23 Jul. 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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