numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-,
ˈnyüm-rə-
: consisting of great numbers of units or individuals
born into a numerous family
also : many
received numerous complaints
The people I'd like to thank are too numerous to mention.
numerously adverb
numerousness noun

Examples of numerous in a Sentence

She decided to leave for numerous reasons. The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While bitcoin and other crypto have proved profitable for some, there have been numerous instances of memecoins — a functionally worthless asset that trades on hype and often results in investors losing cash. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 Users apply a standard Sharpie (typically in shades of red and coral) to the edges of their mouths before going over it again with lip gloss or lipstick, according to numerous videos. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 Powell has the potential to address numerous offensive concerns, while also providing future cap flexibility with his expiring contract. Jakucionis, even with all his summer-league travails, holds as much promise today as when selected June 25. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 Now those cases have made their way into the numerous allegations Hartig faces in her public complaint and, according to her formal response, into a professional probe into McDonald and an assistant prosecutor. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for numerous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin numerōsus, from numerus number entry 2 + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerous was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective
nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
: consisting of great numbers
numerous friends
numerously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on numerous

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