DictionaryAI

many

ME-nee/ˈmɛni/

Adjectivemore (entry), most

Often confused with much

6 meanings of many

Practice

  1. 1
    great number ofdeterminer
    A lot of people or things, as in 'many friends', also used to ask about or compare numbers, as in 'how many?'

    Like a big group of things, more than just a few.

    Many children came to the birthday party.

    She has visited many countries over the years.

    Similarnumerous, multiple

    Oppositefew

  2. 2
    pronoun
    A large number of people or things, used without naming them.

    Many were tired after the long walk.

    Of the guests, many stayed until midnight.

    UsageSay many of them were tired.

    Oppositefew

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Found or happening in large numbers, so there are lots of them.

    His many talents made him popular at school.

    The many mistakes in the report annoyed the editor.

    UsageSay her many friends.

    Similarnumerous, countless, multiple, various, myriad

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    noun
    A large number of people or things, used in 'a good many' or 'a great many'.

    A great many were waiting outside the gates.

    She knew a good many of the people there.

    UsageSay a great many people, meaning very many.

    Similarlot, load, heap, abundance, boatload

    Note
  2. 5
    ordinary peoplenoun
    The large group of ordinary people, not the few in power.

    The government claimed to serve the many, not the few.

    Wealth stayed with a small elite while the many struggled.

    UsageSay the many, not the few.

    Similarcrowd, multitude, masses, mob, populace

    Note
  3. 6
    determinerliterary
    Used before 'a' or 'an' and one noun to mean a lot of people, things, or times, as in 'many a time'.

    I have walked past that old house many a time.

    Many a child has dreamed of flying.

    UsageUse with a singular verb: many a person has tried.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English maniġ, meaning "many." It goes back to old Germanic roots and is related to words like German manch and Dutch menig.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts