umpteen

[ uhmp-teen ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. innumerable; many.

umpteen

/ ˌʌmpˈtiːn /

determiner

1. informal.
   1. very many

      umpteen things to do

   2. ( as pronoun )

      umpteen of them came

Derived Forms

• ˌumpˈteenth, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of umpteen¹

1915–20; ump(ty) , fanciful designation for an indeterminate number (with -ty as in twenty, etc.) + -teen

Word History and Origins

Origin of umpteen¹

C20: from umpty a great deal (perhaps from -enty as in twenty ) + -teen ten

Example Sentences

Even in T20 cricket, you might feel like you have witnessed England play West Indies or Pakistan umpteen times in recent years.

From BBC

Behind the scenes, two shiny steel smokers hold umpteen dangling rows of curing links, among lots of other equipment that gets the sausage made.

From Seattle Times

Today you can go online and find umpteen pairs talking about movies, maybe even arguing about them.

From Los Angeles Times

But after what felt like umpteen delays, pitch inspections and warm-ups, the game eventually restarted in front of a patient home crowd that stuck with their team every step of the way.

From BBC

England have tried umpteen plans against Smith, but are more likely to find success on a good length with the ball moving back towards him.

From BBC