several

American  

[sev-er-uhl, sev-ruhl] / ˈsɛv ər əl, ˈsɛv rəl /

adjective

1. being more than two but fewer than many in number or kind.

   several ways of doing it.

2. respective; individual.

   They went their several ways.

3. separate; different.

   several occasions.

4. Archaic. single; particular.

   an examination of each several case.

5. Law. binding two or more persons who may be sued separately on a common obligation.

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pronoun

(used with a plural verb)

1. several persons or things.

   He's written ten novels, and several have sold very well.

   Several of my friends are divorced.

several British  

/ ˈsɛvrəl /

determiner

1. 1. more than a few; an indefinite small number

      several people objected

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as plural )

      several of them know

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adjective

1. (prenominal) various; separate

   the members with their several occupations

2. (prenominal) distinct; different

   three several times

3. law capable of being dealt with separately; not shared Compare joint

Etymology

Origin of several

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sēparālis, equivalent to Latin sēpar “separate” + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

“We continue to offer several plans, ensuring subscribers can choose the option that works best for them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The recruitment drive comes after several high-profile incidents involving aircraft and air traffic control.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Even with their wage gains up to now, middle-income households have felt pressed for several years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

After lots of prompting, these were the top chatbots in several scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

He was still several blocks away when a woman wearing a wide-brimmed bonnet and a fur cloak approached.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock