multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd 

-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

Synonyms

• army
• bike [chiefly Scottish]
• cram
• crowd
• crush
• drove
• flock
• herd
• horde
• host
• legion
• mass
• mob
• press
• rout
• scrum
• swarm
• throng

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

While there are a multitude of changes that social studies classes would benefit from, the Advanced Placement (AP) writing curriculum is a feasible example of a standardizable method to teach students source evaluation. —Brayden Pryor, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024

Each tester felt that their hair was smoother, softer, and silkier than before thanks to its negative ion technology and multitude of styling attachments. —Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024

There are a multitude of teams that will be looking for a new coach. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Today’s students have a multitude of fun options at their fingertips—and DePiper recommends taking full advantage. —Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing multitude

• cover/hide a multitude of sins
• the multitude

Kids Definition

multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd 

: a great number of things or people