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.
Under Trump's guidance, Musk and DOGE have initiated mass firings of government workers and made numerous cuts to federal agencies, including dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 When the fire department personnel took the stage, the broadcast showed numerous actors in the audience giving a standing ovation, including Kieran Culkin, Monica Barbaro, Jesse Eisenberg, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, Sebastian Stan, and Elle Fanning. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 There are numerous factors to consider, such as location, technology capabilities, travel schedules and role. Andrea Aker, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 He’s further alleged to have ordered numerous murders. Max Saltman, CNN, 3 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 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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