outnumber

[ out-nuhm-ber ]

verb (used with object)

1. to exceed in number. number.

outnumber

/ ˌaʊtˈnʌmbə /

verb

1. tr to exceed in number

Word History and Origins

Origin of outnumber¹

First recorded in 1660–70; out- + number

Example Sentences

Despite being hugely outnumbered, the men held their position for three days, giving their comrades enough time to retreat and successfully defend the city.

From BBC

They are now so few that they were outnumbered by the eight former prime minsters, lined up at the annual commemoration in London’s Whitehall.

From BBC

Registered Republican voters outnumbered registered Democrats by 383 people as of late October, according to the Orange County Registrar of Voters.

From Los Angeles Times

But this is still Texas, a state where Republicans and conservative-leaning voters have long outnumbered Democrats and partisan loyalties tend to run strong.

From Los Angeles Times

After all, parasites like hematophages are the bedrock of the tree of life, outnumbering free living species by about 3 to 2.

From Salon

Related Words

• exceed