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

Nayla and her colleagues listed, with a blend of pride and relief, the numerous ambassadors in attendance—from the Netherlands, Italy, the United States. —Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Although non-kinetic systems have the potential to neutralize large groups of drones, as done by Russia early in the war, swarm technology complicates this approach by requiring the simultaneous jamming of numerous signals. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

If used in the right way, our digital devices can offer us numerous situational benefits and conveniences, whereas at the wrong time or circumstance, using them isn’t positive. —Pete Etchells, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2025

Results are individualized and affected by numerous factors. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs 

: consisting of great numbers

numerous friends

numerously adverb