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

Sun-chasers need not look far to christen their own spot on the shore, while divers plumb the depths to investigate a multitude of undersea wonders in this world-class diving destination. —Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

Including a multitude of trims and hybrid options, our 2026 Hyundai Palisades Hybrid Calligraphy AWD is a crowd stand-out. —Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

And even supporters of the systems say searchers can become dulled by a multitude of false alarms and miss the few actual weapons. —CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Hydra, with its multitude of donkeys and absence of cars, offers a glimpse at what island life was like many years ago. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 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