multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce multitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
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 But on Tuesday, June 11, the City Council rejected the plans after a multitude of disapproving messages from residents and apprehension from councilmembers. Annika Bahnsen, Orange County Register, 17 June 2024 The virus can damage the body in a multitude of ways, leading researchers to list more than 200 symptoms, and there is no single diagnostic test or cure. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 June 2024 The Lions event attracts 10,000-15,000 attendees each year, with awards conferred by blue-ribbon juries of advertising executives who sift through thousands of entries in a multitude of industries. Robert Marich, Variety, 17 June 2024 For the Pitti Uomo pack this translated into a five-pocket style done in a multitude of colors and hinged on the use of luxurious fabrics and blends, as well as innovative finishing techniques. Alex Badia, WWD, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for multitude 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near multitude

Cite this Entry

“Multitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

multitude

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

More from Merriam-Webster on multitude

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