Multitude

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmÊŒltɪtjuːd/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman multitude, Middle French multitude, and their source, Latin multitūdō.

Full definition of multitude

Noun

1. A great amount or number, often of people; myriad; profusion; abundance.
• Joyce Ulysses, Episode 12, The CyclopsA torrential rain poured down from the floodgates of the angry heavens upon the bared heads of the assembled multitude which numbered at the lowest computation five hundred thousand persons.
• Wodehouse Offing|XIV|“Well, let's hope you're right, darling. In the meantime,” said Kipper, “if I don't get that whisky-and-soda soon, I shall disintegrate. Would you mind if I went in search of it, Mrs Travers?” “It's the very thing I was about to suggest myself. Dash along and drink your fill, my unhappy young stag at eve.” “I'm feeling rather like a restorative, too,” said Bobbie. “Me also,” I said, swept along on the tide of the popular movement. “Though I would advise,” I said, when we were outside, “making it port. More authority. We'll look in on Swordfish. He will provide.” We found Pop Glossop in his pantry polishing silver, and put in our order. He seemed a little surprised at the inrush of such a multitude, but on learning that our tongues were hanging out obliged with a bottle of the best ...
2. The mass of ordinary people; the populous or the masses
• Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them.

Synonyms

• hantel/hantle

Derived terms

• multitudinous