numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs 

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

Synonyms of numerous

• many
• multiple
• several
• countless

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

Huerta, a labor leader who is most known advocating for farmworkers rights alongside activist Cesar Chavez, was instrumental in creating the United Farm Workers union and earned numerous humanitarian awards for her accomplishments. — Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Now, despite the economic benefits — considerable tax revenue, money for schools, numerous construction jobs and a smaller number of permanent jobs — no one seems to want a computing campus in their backyard, especially one shrouded in secrecy. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Wurman said neighbors have documented numerous instances of unsanitary behavior, including public urination and defecation. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Hellerstein, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1998, presided over numerous high-profile cases during his lengthy judicial career. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing numerous

• too numerous to list
• too numerous to mention

Rhymes for numerous

• humerus
• humorous

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs 

: consisting of great numbers

numerous friends

numerously adverb