a lot

[ uh lot ]

noun

1. lot ( def 14 ).

adverb

1. lot ( def 21 ).

Spelling Note

As a noun and adverb, a lot is frequently misspelled as alot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of a lot¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Idioms and Phrases

Very many, a large number; also, very much. For example, A lot of people think the economy is declining , or Sad movies always made her cry a lot . It is sometimes put as a whole lot for greater emphasis, as in I learned a whole lot in his class . It may also emphasize a comparative indication of amount, as in We need a whole lot more pizza to feed everyone , or Mary had a lot less nerve than I expected . [ Colloquial ; early 1800s]

Example Sentences

“I think he’ll bring a lot to the table,” the Louisiana Republican said.

From Salon

"There were a hell of a lot of black people and Latinos who voted for him in the election."

From BBC

Some of it should be spent to provide a lot of these desperately needed beds.

From Los Angeles Times

There is a lot of nuance on this issue.

From Salon

Many inland areas of the UK are likely to see quite a lot of dry weather with morning frosts and sunny skies.

From BBC

Related Words

• great deal
• lots
• mass