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

Israelis at the World Cup also faced a multitude of Palestinian flags and anger over Israel’s occupation of lands Palestinians claim for their future state and its treatment of the people who live there. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

There will be a multitude of chicken casseroles offered up, but this chicken spaghetti is a winner time and time again in our kitchens. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

Foreman said renters can fail to pay rent for a multitude of reasons, like job loss, a medical emergency or a relationship change. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

In an interview, Worner said that while saints are ultimately mortal and therefore not perfect, there is a certain criterion of morality decided by a multitude of individuals. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 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