What does myriad mean?
Myriad is a formal word for an extremely large, often effectively countless, number of people, things, situations, or qualities. It is most often used attributively before a noun or in the established phrase "a myriad of," as in "a myriad of reasons." Its modern force is usually broader than a literal count: the word can suggest both abundance and complexity, especially when describing difficulties, details, or forms. In formal and literary prose it lends an elevated tone, whereas in everyday speech it may sound unnecessarily emphatic. The noun use refers to a vast multitude, with "myriads" as the usual plural. Historically, the word derives from Greek roots meaning "ten thousand" and "countless," so its development mirrors its meaning: a definite large number came to represent a number too great to enumerate. Myriad is useful when abundance itself is important, though "many" or "countless" can be more direct in ordinary contexts.
Existing in very large or countless numbers; numerous.
"The reconstruction required myriad small adjustments before the project could begin."
Common in formal and literary prose, especially in the construction "a myriad of" followed by a plural noun.
A very large or countless number of people or things.
"A myriad of photographs documents the town's nineteenth-century history."
The established singular construction is "a myriad of"; "myriads of" is also widely used.
The plural is used for very large collections: "myriads of stars." In the established construction "a myriad of," the following noun is normally plural.
"Myriads of stars were visible through the telescope."
It began as a synonym for ten thousand and ended up meaning, simply, too many to count.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does myriad come from?
The English word entered use in the early 17th century, borrowed from Latin myrias, a word of Greek origin. Greek myriás denoted a group of ten thousand, while myrios meant countless or innumerable. English initially preserved the sense of ten thousand before extending it to an indefinitely great number, and the form eventually became both adjective and noun.
Related word forms
How myriad is actually used
Chiefly formal or literary. It is especially common in the construction "a myriad of," followed by a plural noun. In ordinary speech, "many" or "countless" may sound more direct.