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

• beaucoup [slang]
• legion
• many
• multifold
• multiple
• multiplex
• multitudinous

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

Blagojevich’s successor, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, convened a reform commission that suggested numerous changes to strengthen the state’s ethical guardrails. —Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024

Musk, who has been spotted on numerous occasions alongside Trump since his election, is among those who appear to be influencing Trump’s policy and personnel decisions. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

His numerous such lawsuits have so far not been successful. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 15 Dec. 2024

Holland America’s seafood is sustainably sourced — the line has partnered with chef Masaharu Morimoto and has numerous endorsements from organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council — and vegetarian and gluten-free items are always available. —David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs 

: consisting of great numbers

numerous friends

numerously adverb