enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs How to pronounce enormous (audio)
ē-
1
: marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree
especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions
2
a
: exceedingly wicked : shocking
an enormous sin
b
archaic : abnormal, inordinate
enormousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for enormous

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth mean exceedingly large.

enormous and immense both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but enormous often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness.

an enormous expense
an immense shopping mall

huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

Examples of enormous in a Sentence

They live in an enormous house. We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.
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.
From the rooftop balcony, views over dune to the sea, of the enormous windmills, and across to the port reveal its unimaginable scale. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Heisman winner Ingram led a ground-and-pound offense, while McClain and enormous defensive tackle Cody — who blocked a last-second field goal to survive Lane Kiffin-led Tennessee — became the faces of a defense that allowed just 11.7 points per game. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The scope of these enormous solar storms is important to understand for technology experts in the 21st century, which is much more vulnerable to the whims of the sun due to society's dependence on electronic systems and space technologies. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 19 May 2025 An enormous hole in the budget WHO faces the most significant budget crisis in its nearly 80-year history. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enormous

Word History

Etymology

Latin enormis, from e, ex out of + norma rule

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of enormous was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enormous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

enormous

adjective
enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs How to pronounce enormous (audio)
: extraordinarily great in size, number, or degree
enormously adverb
enormousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enormous

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