numerous

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

Synonyms of numerous

• many
• multiple
• several
• countless

Examples of numerous in a Sentence

She decided to leave for numerous reasons.

The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the study, which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected between 2021 and 2024, researchers say that despite numerous state-level bans on kratom across the nation, its use is at an all-time high and is increasing. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Investigators initially said the home did not have working smoke detectors, but after the landlord showed CBS News Philadelphia video of numerous detectors, the fire department responded and said investigators did find melted smoke detectors that were working when the fire broke out. —Joe Brandt, CBS News, 19 June 2026

The film, which is expected to debut on Netflix in August, is based partly on the testimony of whistleblowers who reported numerous instances in which managers allegedly told safety monitors to overlook problems lest production be slowed. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 June 2026

During his time on Love Island USA, Zach has mentioned his love of One Direction numerous times. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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