several
Pluralseverals
- 1More than one, usually more than two, but not a large number.
Like a few cookies on a plate: more than two, but not a whole box.
Several people waited at the bus stop in the rain.
She tried several times before she got the answer right.
UsageUse a plural noun: several books, several of my friends.
Similarsome
- 2More than one, each different from the others.
The guide talked about the several animals of this forest, from bears to tiny frogs.
The museum shows the several ways people have built homes over time, from tents to towers.
UsageUsually after the or words like their: the several ways.
Similarvarious, different, diverse, sundry
Note
- 3Belonging to each one alone and kept apart from the others.
Each several ship a victory did gain.
1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of WondersHere, several means separate, each one by itself.So one thing may be good and bad to several parties, upon diverse occasions.
1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of MelancholyHere, several means separate and different.Note
Less common meanings
- 4A piece of private or fenced land, not shared with other people.
Note
- 5A loose piece of outer clothing for a woman, worn as a shawl or in other ways.
- 6Able to be dealt with one by one, not as a group.
- 7Separately, with each one on its own.
Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehouses.
1551, Thomas More, A FrutefulHere, several means separately, each kept apart. - 8One single thing, detail, or person, taken on its own.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It came through Anglo-Norman from a Latin word meaning 'separate'.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Several entered English through Anglo-Norman. en.wiktionary.org
- Several ultimately derives from a Latin word meaning 'separate'. en.wiktionary.org