many

American  

[men-ee] / ˈmɛn i /

adjective

more, most

1. constituting or forming a large number; numerous.

   many people.

   Synonyms:

   various, sundry, divers, myriad, multitudinous, multifarious

   Antonyms:

   single, few

2. noting each one of a large number (usually followed by a oran ).

   For many a day it rained.

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noun

1. a large or considerable number of persons or things.

   A good many of the beggars were blind.

2. the many, the greater part of humankind.

pronoun

1. many persons or things.

   Many of the beggars were blind. Many were unable to attend.

many British  

/ ˈmɛnɪ /

determiner

1. 1. a large number of

      many coaches

      many times

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as plural )

      many are seated already

2. each of a considerable number of

   many a man

3. 1. a great number of

      as many apples as you like

      too many clouds to see

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as plural )

      I have as many as you

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noun

1. the majority of mankind, esp the common people Compare few

   the many are kept in ignorance while the few prosper

many Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing many

• as many
• good (great) many
• in so many words
• irons in the fire, too many
• so many
• too many cooks spoil the broth

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Synonym Usage

Many, innumerable, manifold, numerous imply the presence or succession of a large number of units. Many is a popular and common word for this idea: many times. Numerous, a more formal word, refers to a great number or to very many units: letters too numerous to mention. Innumerable denotes a number that is beyond count or, more loosely, that is extremely difficult to count: the innumerable stars in the sky. Manifold implies not only that the number is large but also that there is variety or complexity.

Other Word Forms

• overmany
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of many

First recorded before 900; Middle English mani, meni, Old English manig, menig; akin to Old Saxon, Old High German manag, menig, Danish mange, Gothic manags

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Explanation

If you have a great number of refrigerator magnets, you have many of them. Many means "a lot of items." Many can be traced back to the Welsh word mynych meaning "frequent." To get many of something, you do something frequently, or often, like having many miles on a car because you often drive it long distances. If you ask, "How many people will be at the party?" you want to know the number of guests who are expected. If the answer is "many," you know there will be numerous people, though you haven't been given an exact figure.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

many more most

Throwing on “Real Housewives” or “Love Island” is a guilty pleasure for many of us after a tiring workday.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

There is no law limiting how much healthcare providers can bill insurers and patients for many outpatient services.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

“He made such a huge impact on so many people in this industry and beyond,” Hudson said, adding her condolences to his family.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

Given the uncertainty, many analysts think UK interest rates will rise at the November meeting and again early next year.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

No one makes as many good points in the allotted debate time as I can.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Companies are reluctant to hire more people in part to manage costs.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

McConnell has more than 25 years of finance leadership experience across healthcare and life sciences, especially in the U.S., according to the global medical products and technologies company.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

Drivers say the robotaxis are taking up charging spots at public stations, as San Diego officials push for more control over autonomous vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

But there’s even more money on the table here.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026

I want to do something, experience more than silence and sore bones on a slow-moving wagon.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

But most of the time, the market has other plans.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

The Perfect Child didn’t participate in most insurers’ networks, meaning no contracts governed its rates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

The vehicles still had relatively few incidents, and most were fender benders.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

Dr Beverly Adams, Divisional Medical Director for Maternity and Women's Services, said a centralised telephone triage service with a midwife would help determine the most appropriate place for each woman to give birth.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

“I get that he’s selfish, but most of the things he does, like the business, he does for Jonah and me. So we can do things together.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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