What does oodles mean?
“Oodles” is an informal North American expression meaning a very large number or amount of something. It is especially familiar in the phrase “oodles of,” as in “oodles of fun” or “oodles of time.” Because the quantity is deliberately indefinite, the word can suggest abundance, enthusiasm, or exaggeration rather than a precise amount. “Oodles” often appears in conversational speech and in writing intended to sound lively, playful, or nostalgic. Its exaggerated tone distinguishes it from the more neutral words “lots,” “plenty,” and “loads,” while its strongly informal character makes it less suitable for formal or technical prose. Despite its whimsical sound, it is a conventional and readily understood expression in modern English.
plural nounAn indefinite large number or amount of something. It is an informal expression, especially common in the phrase “oodles of.”
- An indefinite large number or amount of something.
"The children had oodles of fun at the carnival."
"The library has oodles of books on local history."
"She had oodles of confidence before the interview."
“Oodles” is normally used as an indefinite plural noun, especially in the expression “oodles of.”
"They talked about oodles of things before the meeting began."
One little word can mean “a huge amount”: when someone says they have oodles of time, they probably do not mean a few spare minutes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oodles come from?
The word “oodles” entered English in the nineteenth century and is generally understood as a development of “oodle,” an older form meaning a great deal or a large quantity. Its precise historical source is uncertain, and etymologists have proposed links to expressive forms in several languages without reaching a firm conclusion. The plural ending became the standard form in which the word is now commonly used.
Related word forms
How oodles is actually used
Informal and especially associated with American English. It is most natural in the expression “oodles of” and may sound old-fashioned or deliberately playful in formal contexts.
Easily confused with oodles
“Oodles” is an informal word for a large quantity, while “oodles” is the same word in its standard plural form.