numerous

1 of 2

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

numerousness

2 of 2

noun

nu·​mer·​ous·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being numerous

Synonyms of numerous

Adjective

• many
• multiple
• several
• countless

Examples of numerous in a Sentence

Adjective

She decided to leave for numerous reasons.

The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Set the scene Lake Fuschl is located in the Salzkammergut region, known for its numerous lakes, rivers, forests and limestone mountains. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

United Airlines also holds numerous contracts including with the Department of Defense for transport. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 3 July 2026

His administration has hit numerous snags in court, with judges reaffirming that the Constitution gives states — not the federal government — authority over elections. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Gunn and Gillespie had creative differences over the direction of the movie, numerous sources tell The Hollywood Reporter, and the film never found its footing in the post-production process. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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