# multitude

/ˈməɫtəˌtud/ (US) · /mˈʌltɪtjˌuːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/multitude
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a large number

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a very large number of things or people.

For teachers: a great number or an indefinite large quantity of something. Often used in the phrase 'a multitude of'.

- The new law created a multitude of problems for small business owners.
- The researcher faced a multitude of logistical challenges while attempting to coordinate the international study across four different time zones.

Usage: Commonly functions as a countable noun followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. the masses

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

a large group of people, or the general public.

For teachers: the mass of ordinary people; the populace. Usually preceded by the definite article.

- The leader spoke from the balcony to the gathered multitude below.
- The philosopher argued that the needs of the multitude should always outweigh the desires of the ruling elite.

Usage: Usually appears as 'the multitude' in a singular form to represent a collective group.

## Examples

- The library offers a multitude of books on every subject.
- The new law will affect a multitude of small businesses across the country.
- The scientist spent decades researching a multitude of factors that contribute to climate change, eventually synthesizing them into a single comprehensive theory.

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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.