multitude

noun

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

Synonyms of multitude

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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.
All of Roman’s data will be made publicly available as soon as it is processed on Earth, providing a treasure trove for scientists to mine for answers to a multitude of cosmic queries. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 If none of this piques your interest, spend time in the 8,000-square-foot spa, where a multitude of treatments along with a swirling hydrotherapy circuit and sauna are at your fingertips. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 With 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods announced on Saturday that include a multitude of apparel products, consumers are bound to feel the impacts of the United States-Canada trade war when browsing for outerwear this fall. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 These are some of my favorite options for a multitude of activities, and come in women’s sizes, too. — Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing multitude

Rhymes for multitude

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Browse Nearby Words

multituberculy
multitude
multitudinal
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Cite this Entry

“Multitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

multitude

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