abound

[ uh-bound ]

verb (used without object)

1. to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers:

   a stream in which trout abound.

2. to be rich or well supplied (usually followed by in ):

   The region abounds in coal.

3. to be filled; teem (usually followed by with ):

   The ship abounds with rats.

abound

/ əˈbaʊnd /

verb

1. to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful

   a swamp in which snakes abound

2. foll bywith or in to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)

   the fields abound in corn

   the gardens abound with flowers

Other Words From

• a·bounding·ly adverb
• over·a·bound verb (used without object)
• well-a·bounding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abound¹

1325–75; Middle English abounden < Latin abundāre to overflow, equivalent to ab- ab- + undāre to move in waves; undulate

Word History and Origins

Origin of abound¹

C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave

Example Sentences

Skepticism abounds, even from one of the most observant former players, Brandon McCarthy, who pitched for the Dodgers and Yankees.

From Los Angeles Times

While miniature windmills and Viking statues still abound in Solvang, the largest town in the Santa Ynez Valley, there’s a new crop of places to dine, taste wine and shop.

From Los Angeles Times

At the end of his article, Meyer urged his fellow Steinbeck scholars to “read Babb—if only to see for themselves the echoes of 'Grapes' that abound in her prose.”

From Salon

Examples abound of even experienced leaders forgetting their rhetorical reach.

From Los Angeles Times

Questions abound regarding the guru whose offense appears in need of guidance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flourish
• proliferate
• thrive