thousand

noun

thou·​sand ˈthau̇-zᵊn(d) How to pronounce thousand (audio)
plural thousands or thousand
1
: a number equal to 10 times 100 see Table of Numbers
2
: a very large number
thousands of ants
thousand adjective
thousandfold adjective or adverb
thousandth adjective or noun

Examples of thousand in a Sentence

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.
This causes the PPy and PSS to separate into tiny regions, creating thousands of junctions where electrons and ions interact. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 The end result is a magnificent snapshot of deep space, created from particles of light that had travelled thousands of years to reach their destination. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025 The strike, the largest ever for Kaiser unions, began less than a week ago, with the healthcare giant flying in thousands of replacement staff from around the country to fill critical patient care jobs. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 The festival in Half Moon Bay south of San Francisco draws tens of thousands of visitors. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thousand

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thūsend; akin to Old High German dūsunt thousand, Lithuanian tūkstantis, and probably to Sanskrit tavas strong, Latin tumēre to swell — more at thumb entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thousand was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Thousand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thousand. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

thousand

noun
thou·​sand ˈthau̇z-ᵊn(d) How to pronounce thousand (audio)
plural thousands or thousand
1
: a number equal to 10 times 100 see number
2
: a very large number
thousands of ants
thousand adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on thousand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!