noun

scads

SKADZ/skædz/

A large number or amount.

Scads of marbles spill around the open jar.

An open jar overflowing with a great many colorful glass marbles, with a broad heap spreading around its base.

Etymology

Earlier American usage meant “a dollar,” usually in the plural; the word later meant large amounts generally. Its origin is uncertain, including any connection with the abundant fish called scad.

In context

The Humanist Report210:06

… his biggest owner's lockheed martin he takes in just scads of cash from defense contractors

Outbreak in the White House | Episode 261 (October 9, 2020)

More examples

She received scads of birthday cards.
There were scads of marbles in the jar.
The project consumed scads of money.

Forms

scads

Similar words

loads: Both are informal ways to say a large amount; scads is especially characteristic of American speech.
abundance: Abundance is the more formal, neutral word.