numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
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

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
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.
The town hosts numerous festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival and Telluride Film Festival, adding to its cultural appeal. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 The violence included rioters hurling projectiles at law enforcement officers and lighting numerous self-driving electric vehicles on fire. Julia Bonavita , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 In his numerous flicks and stepovers, there were also flashes of the joy that emanates from Estevao on the pitch, and a courage to keep trying to create that distinguishes him beyond his substantive talent as a natural showman in the grand Brazilian footballing tradition. Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The mountainous region along the coast is especially prone to mudslides, with numerous rivers at risk of flooding. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for numerous

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerous was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

numerous

adjective
nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
: consisting of great numbers
numerous friends
numerously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on numerous

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