DictionaryhostLarge number
noun

host

A large number of people or things.

The new library offers a host of activities for children.

Etymology

Old French ost meant an army. From a large organized body of people, host broadened to any very numerous gathering or collection.

More examples

  • The proposal raises a host of practical questions.
  • A host of volunteers helps clean up the park.
  • Spring brings hosts of visitors to the gardens.

Forms

host · hosts

Similar words

multitude
Also means a large number, often in more formal writing.
abundance
Emphasizes plentiful supply rather than a group of individual things.
crowd
Usually refers to people gathered together in one place.