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

• beaucoup [slang]
• legion
• many
• multifold
• multiple
• multiplex
• multitudinous

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

In October 2021 Neilson, who joined the MSP in 2015 and had received numerous awards for his performance was denied an interview for an open sergeant's position, in a retaliatory move, and Chiros was promoted to sergeant, the suit alleges. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024

Instead, all generations are opting for more of a healthier lifestyle, as abstaining from alcohol offers numerous benefits, like physical health, liver function, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of cancers. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024

With nine games released, including mainline entries and spinoffs, there’s numerous places to start for newcomers who want to experience Fallout firsthand. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024

By the 1940s and '50s, San Antonio held numerous Black rodeos and local riders participated in the Southwestern Colored Rodeo Association, which organized a circuit of Black rodeos in central Texas, while other Texas communities incorporated Black rodeos into Juneteenth celebrations. —TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

Cicadas are a crucial food source for numerous predators, including birds, mammals, reptiles and other insects, thereby supporting biodiversity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. —The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

But a wetter scenario with more numerous showers is still possible. —Molly Robey, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

Lamb then went on to earn numerous accolades, including a Princess Grace Award for Choreography in 2014. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024

That said, numerous ways exist to address your organization's happiness. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

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 mention
• too numerous to list

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs 

: consisting of great numbers

numerous friends

numerously adverb