multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the state of being many

… the mind falters, confused by the multitude and yet the harmony of the detail …

—Theodore Dreiser

2

: a great number : host entry 4

a multitude of choices

a multitude of complaints

3

: a great number of people

A multitude gathered to hear the governor's speech.

4

: populace, public

a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude

Synonyms of multitude

• throng
• crowd
• flock
• swarm
• horde

Examples of multitude in a Sentence

a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude

awed by the multitude of stars in the night sky

Recent Examples on the Web

For cocktail dresses with some fabric texture, consider this tulle midi dress or this lace sheath dress—both of which come in a multitude of spring color options. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

There are a multitude of absurd high jinks and shenanigans (really the only words applicable here) that lead to Greg's decision to stay and inevitably fill each episode. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026

There are a multitude of plays that decide a basketball game, but Williams knows the Celts struggled with free throws all season. —Dan Rios, Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026

But the Jets decided not to deal him even after trading both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for a multitude of draft capital. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin multitudin-, multitudo, from multus much — more at meliorate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing multitude

• cover/hide a multitude of sins
• the multitude

Rhymes for multitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

Kids Definition

multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd 

: a great number of things or people