multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce multitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
Synonyms of multitudenext
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

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
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.
There are plenty of fossil fuels for multitudes of generations. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026 Watch The Game on Netflix 'In Living Color' The brainchild of Keenen Ivory Wayans, In Living Color was a sketch comedy series that featured a multitude of characters. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 Best known for its multitude of waterfalls and famous granite formations, Yosemite National Park in California is one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks. Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026 Such a massive resort—with such a multitude of offerings—lends itself to a cross section of guests, including a good chunk of business travelers thanks to a whopping 300,000 square feet of event space and a calendar packed with conferences. Lizbeth Scordo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for multitude

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Multitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

multitude

noun
mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce multitude (audio)
: a great number of things or people

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