# abound

/əˈbaʊnd/ (US) · /ɐbˈaʊnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abound
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to exist in very large numbers or amounts. You use this when you want to say that a place is full of something.

For teachers: to exist in great quantity or to be prevalent. Intransitive; typically used with the preposition 'in' or 'with' to indicate the location or the substance that is plentiful.

## Examples

- Wildflowers abound in the hills during spring.
- Rumors about the company's potential merger abound, despite several official denials from the board of directors.
- The coastal waters abound with diverse marine life, providing a rich ecosystem that supports both local fishing communities and international research efforts.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The forest abounds many trees" but "The forest abounds with many trees" — Abound is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it requires a preposition like 'with' or 'in'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive. It is frequently followed by 'in' (e.g., 'fish abound in the lake') or 'with' (e.g., 'the lake abounds with fish').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.