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
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.
Trump’s substantial and widespread tariffs are having an effect on overall inflation, but instead of a surge, the pass-through to consumers has been ongoing, gradual and uneven (for a multitude of reasons). Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 Tours range from two to four hours, with highlights including the New York Streets backlot, which has façades depicting a multitude of NYC neighborhoods, and the Prop Warehouse, which showcases recognizable props such as the bench from Forrest Gump and a Star Trek portal. Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025 Aza is a particularly violent individual who seeks out her former cult, while Marisol, let’s say to avoid spoiling anything, contains multitudes. Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 As rumors of his financial woes mount, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West is dropping a multitude of properties from his real estate portfolio. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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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