several

American  

[sev-er-uhl, sev-ruhl] / ˈsɛv ər əl, ˈsɛv rəl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of several

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

Explanation

Two is a "couple" and more than two or three is several. If you eat four donuts you can say you had several but you may have had too many — especially if you get a stomach-ache. Several is a word that shows size or number when you can’t be specific or when you want to summarize. If three, four, or five of you hang out, then you're spending time with several friends. Inviting 30 people over and telling your parents that several friends stopped by would be stretching the truth and you might get grounded. For how many weeks? Possibly several.

Example Sentences

MacDonald says there are several key factors which hinder parents from restricting their children's screen time adequately, including limited time due to work commitments, as well as the cost and availability of local activities.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“We continue to offer several plans, ensuring subscribers can choose the option that works best for them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The company is among several contenders in a fierce artificial intelligence race.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Even with their wage gains up to now, middle-income households have felt pressed for several years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Most mushrooms lived only several days, and Clare had expected the fuzzy white knot to quickly shrivel up and return to the earth.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman