several

[ sev-er-uhl, sev-ruhl ]

adjective

1. being more than two but fewer than many in number or kind:

   several ways of doing it.

2. respective; individual:

   They went their several ways.

3. separate; different:

   several occasions.

4. Archaic. single; particular:

   an examination of each several case.

5. Law. binding two or more persons who may be sued separately on a common obligation.

pronoun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. several persons or things:

   He's written ten novels, and several have sold very well.

   Several of my friends are divorced.

several

/ ˈsɛvrəl /

determiner

1. 1. more than a few; an indefinite small number

      several people objected

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as plural )

      several of them know

adjective

1. prenominal various; separate

   the members with their several occupations

2. prenominal distinct; different

   three several times

3. law capable of being dealt with separately; not shared Compare joint

Word History and Origins

Origin of several¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sēparālis, equivalent to Latin sēpar “separate” + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of several¹

C15: via Anglo-French from Medieval Latin sēparālis, from Latin sēpār, from sēparāre to separate

Example Sentences

In the wake of the recall, several Costco customers poked fun at the ridiculousness of warning customers that butter is made from a dairy product.

From Salon

She said electrical works were not permitted in council properties and that this was made clear to tenants “at several points” in the tenancy sign-in.

From BBC

It has been worked on for several years by outside groups preparing the ground for a Trump restoration.

From Salon

King Crimson's website said he had been "suffering from declining health for several years" and died on Thursday.

From BBC

She said she first started getting the injectables after the Bell's palsy several years back had left her face inflamed and swollen, making her a recluse.

From BBC