multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce multitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the state of being many
… the mind falters, confused by the multitude and yet the harmony of the detail …Theodore Dreiser
2
: a great number : host entry 4
a multitude of choices
a multitude of complaints
3
: a great number of people
A multitude gathered to hear the governor's speech.
4
: populace, public
a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude

Examples of multitude in a Sentence

a candidate trying to appeal to the multitude awed by the multitude of stars in the night sky
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.
Cohen went on to form his own company and has worked with a multitude of other artists in different capacities since then, but has remained close friends, and continued working with Joel, as well. Pam Windsor, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Donkey's multitude of skills can even be expanded upon through a skill tree that enhances the dapper ape's various abilities and attributes, like the range of DK's secret-sensing clap or the number of hearts held by the protagonist. Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 Each camera is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, in this case, with children in mind, mainly in terms of ease-of-use and durability, as well as image quality. Tantse Walter, Space.com, 16 July 2025 Downriver art fair Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, July 12, the 64th Wyandotte Street Art Fair will draw more than 200,000 visitors to take in work by 300 fine artists, dine among 35 restaurants and shop with a multitude of local merchants. Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for multitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin multitudin-, multitudo, from multus much — more at meliorate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multitude was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Multitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

multitude

noun
mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce multitude (audio)
: a great number of things or people

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