enumerate

verb

enu·​mer·​ate i-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce enumerate (audio)
enumerated; enumerating

transitive verb

1
: to ascertain the number of : count
2
: to specify one after another : list
enumerative
i-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce enumerate (audio)
-ˈn(y)üm-rə-
-ˈn(y)ü-mə-rə-
adjective

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The Meaning of Enumerate Gets Specific

In a census year, the U.S. government attempts to enumerate every single citizen of the country—a task that, even in the modern era of technology, isn't truly possible. Medical tests often require the enumeration of bacteria, viruses, or other organisms to determine the progress of a disease or the effectiveness of a medication. Despite its numer- root, you don't have to use numbers when enumerating. For students of government and law, the "enumerated powers" are the specific responsibilities of the Congress, as listed in the U.S. Constitution; these are the only powers that Congress has, a fact that the Tenth Amendment makes even more clearly.

Examples of enumerate in a Sentence

Let me enumerate my reasons for doing this. I proceeded to enumerate the reasons why I would be justified in filing a lawsuit for negligence.
Recent Examples on the Web The paper enumerates the various pathways through which floods and food insecurity are connected, including direct devastation to the means of food production or indirect strains on family income to purchase food. Henna Hundal, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The court enumerated some harms that might be seen if these markets open up. Brady Dale, Axios, 2 Oct. 2024 His office declined to enumerate policy priorities, telling Axios that Pallone is focused on ensuring that Democrats win back the majority. Victoria Knight, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 That part of the mapping felt pretty clear to me: to enumerate is to name the world. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enumerate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enumerate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin enumeratus, past participle of enumerare, from e- + numerare to count, from numerus number

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enumerate was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near enumerate

Cite this Entry

“Enumerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enumerate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

enumerate

verb
enu·​mer·​ate i-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce enumerate (audio)
enumerated; enumerating
1
: to find out the number of : count
2
: to list one after another
enumeration noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enumerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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