multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌtüd 

-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

Synonyms

• army
• bike [chiefly Scottish]
• cram
• crowd
• crush
• drove
• flock
• herd
• horde
• host
• legion
• mass
• mob
• press
• rout
• scrum
• swarm
• throng

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

Today’s students have a multitude of fun options at their fingertips—and DePiper recommends taking full advantage. —Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, the strand of diamonds can be worn a multitude of ways—draped around the neck to trail down a tuxedo shirt or, like Wang, tied around the neck with strands hanging down a dress. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024

Beyond unsolicited requests for cash and unrealistic lifestyle expectations, there is a multitude of other risks that could negatively impact the long-term sustainability of one’s wealth: accidents, health issues, cybersecurity threats, unforeseen economic downturns, etc. —Sharon Olson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Impossible luxury can hide a multitude of sins, but not all. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing multitude

• cover/hide a multitude of sins
• the multitude

Kids Definition

multitude

noun

mul·​ti·​tude ˈməl-tə-ˌt(y)üd 

: a great number of things or people