many

1 of 3

adjective

ˈme-nē 

more ˈmȯr  ; most ˈmōst 

1

: consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number

worked for many years

the many advantages of an education

2

: being one of a large but indefinite number

many a man

many another student

see also:

as many

many

2 of 3

pronoun

plural in construction

: a large number of persons or things

many are called

many

3 of 3

noun

plural in construction

1

: a large but indefinite number

a good many of them

2

: the great majority of people

the many

Synonyms of many

Adjective

• numerous
• multiple
• several
• countless

Examples of many in a Sentence

Adjective

a journey of many miles begins with a single step

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the afternoon, book a spot at one of Copenhagen’s many hot tub experiences; some favorites include Hottub Copenhagen and CopenHot, the biggest outdoor spa in Denmark. — Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Like many of his fellow countrymen, Buji was inspired by the thought that this collective crossing could somehow unlock his dream of reaching Spain and starting a new life in Europe. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Think of Goodwood as if The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering had a race track running through it, to provide a sense of enthusiasm and spectacle missing at many of the park and show events that make up Monterey Car Week. — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The 13-year-old has many interests, but his love of first responders ranks highest. — The Star august 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Pronoun, and Noun

Middle English, from Old English manig; akin to Old High German manag many, Old Church Slavic mŭnogŭ much

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Pronoun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing many

• a good many
• as many
• as many as
• great/good many
• half again as much/many as
• half as much/many again as
• have a few too many
• how many
• How many times
• in many ways
• in so many words
• make many demands on
• many a/an
• many and various
• many hands make light work
• (many) happy returns
• many moons
• many/plenty more fish in the sea
• many-sided
• many's the
• many-valued
• not many
• one too many
• so many
• that many
• the many
• too many to count
• wear many hats

Rhymes for many

• any
• bennie
• benny
• henny
• jenny
• penny
• antennae
• halfpenny
• propene
• sixpenny
• threepenny
• twopenny

Kids Definition

many

1 of 3 adjective

ˈmen-ē 

more ˈmō(ə)r 

ˈmȯ(ə)r

; most ˈmōst 

1

: amounting to a large number

worked for many years

2

: being one of a large but indefinite number

told many a tale

many

2 of 3 pronoun

: a large number

many of the students were late

many

3 of 3 noun

: a large but indefinite number

a good many of them