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

Yet, these Apple Watch Solo Loop bands come with a steep discount, giving users a multitude of options. —Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024

History shows that both Republican and Democratic presidencies have seen stocks rise or fall due to a multitude of factors beyond politics. —John Buckingham, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Harris has referred to Trump’s plan as an additional sales tax on American households that would raise prices on a multitude of products. —Evan Clark, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

Dear Eric: In our 70s, my husband and I moved into an independent living apartment in a 400-person Continuing Care Retirement Community with lecture series, musical programs (mainly classical), and a multitude of activities from climate advocacy to painting to exercise classes to poker. —R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 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