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

Alongside ads for a multitude of products such as cars and shampoo, the giant billboards have become familiar sights to the people of Tehran in recent years. — Max Butterworth, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

Rendered in Hadid’s signature, curvilinear style, the plaza contains a museum and a multitude of exhibition spaces as well as a design center; these internal zones are linked through a series of interior and underground pathways. — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Aug. 2026

Not only is this replacement for the rather ramshackle Manor Ground and its multitude of different stands totally devoid of character and located on an anonymous retail park, miles from the city centre. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

The initial proposal, debated since 2019, has exposed sectarian tensions among the country’s multitude of Islamic and Christian sects. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 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