abounded; abounding; abounds

intransitive verb

1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : to be prevalent
a business in which opportunities abound
errors and inconsistencies abound
2
: to be copiously supplied
used with in or with
life abounded in mysteriesNorman Mailer
institutions abound with evidence of his successJohns Hopkins Magazine

Examples of abound in a Sentence

They live in a region where oil abounds. a city that abounds with art museums and private galleries
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.
When the puck entered the net, jubilation abounded as his teammates mobbed him along the boards. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Though the current administration paused the tariffs on incoming smartphones and computers earlier this month, concerns still abound about the impact that tariffs on China will have on US iPhone buyers and Apple's business. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 Apr. 2025 While household names abound, the USMNT’s historically deep squad no longer exists and a quick fix is difficult. Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 Myriad art historical and personal references abound, inviting rigorous contemplation of this masterpiece. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abound

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abounden, borrowed from Anglo-French abunder, borrowed from Latin abundāre "to overflow, be full, be plentifully supplied (with)," from ab- ab- + undāre "to rise in waves, surge, flood," verbal derivative of unda "wave" — more at water entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abound was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Abound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abound. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

abound

verb
1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity
wildlife abounds
2
: to be filled or abundantly supplied
a stream abounding in fish

More from Merriam-Webster on abound

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