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

Along with a multitude of injuries enhanced by a shoddy offensive line, the team’s defense has declined year after year, forcing Burrow to put up MVP numbers to even keep his team in games. —Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

Kenny Atkinson’s Warriors influence Steve Kerr has seen a multitude of assistant coaches move on to various head coaching spots over his 11-year tenure with the Warriors. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2025

The investigations found a multitude of factors were to blame for each incident, but overall, the recommendations in the investigations include service members better adhering to Navy processes, especially in a combat environment. —Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The country, after all, has always held multitudes. —Narges Mohammadi, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

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