plethora
noun
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Plethora was first used in English to refer to a medical condition marked by an excess volume of blood or other bodily fluid, with associated swelling and redness. (Its Greek ancestor, the noun plēthṓra, refers to a similar excess, or to general fullness or crowdedness.) These days, plethora is most often used in general contexts to refer to a large number or amount of something. While plethora conveys a plural meaning, it is a grammatically singular word, which makes choosing whether to pair it with a singular or plural verb confusing. Both can be correctly used, however; choose the singular if you wish to emphasize the grouping or collection ("a plethora of books is available"), and choose the plural if you wish to emphasize the individual elements or components ("a plethora of books have been written on the subject").
Examples of plethora in a Sentence
Arthur Miller, Harper's, March 1999
The plethora of short-lived ceasefires in the Balkans and the Caucasus constitute proof that we are no longer in a world where the old rules of state warfare apply.
—Robert D. Kaplan, Atlantic, February 1994
… served at the long plank table in the banquet hut, amid a plethora of toasts to progress, amity, and the overthrow of imperialism—the meal passed in a blur.
—John Updike, Trust Me, (1962) 1987
In their view, there are the very few hard-pressed good guys losing the landscape to a plethora of bad guys.
—Carol Bly, Letters from the Country, 1981
A plethora of books have been written on the subject.
a biology textbook that is helpfully illustrated with a plethora of excellent illustrations
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Other reports show that automation will be wide-reaching across a plethora of industries and professions.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Plenty of Arizona farms and other venues also offer a plethora of fall activities that are perfect for all ages to enjoy.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
The gardens feature a walking path around a 2-acre pond, cherry blossom trees, a plethora of plants, rock formations, a sensory play area made from natural materials, seating areas overlooking the water and more.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plethora
Cite this Entry
“Plethora.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plethora. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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plethora
noun
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