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

Unless the question posed has a singular final answer, the likelihood is that your multiple expert personas are going to provide a multitude of viewpoints and not especially land on a single end-all response. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Most other books shared a similar sentiment, as Detroit’s hot start had attracted a multitude of Super Bowl futures wagers from fans eager to see the Lions pivot from their losing ways. —Vik Chokshi, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Most well-known for his tenure in WWF/WWE, Foley has played a multitude of characters in the company, including Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love. —David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025

To determine the best cities, U.S. News considers a multitude of factors, including quality of life, the local job market, value for your money, and the place’s desirability. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025

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