Showing results for "fewer"

• comparative of few.

fewer

American  

[fyoo-er] / ˈfju ər /

adjective

1. of a smaller number.

   fewer words and more action.

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pronoun

1. (used with a plural verb) a smaller number.

   Fewer have come than we hoped.

Commonly Confused

See less.

Etymology

Origin of fewer

Middle English feue, feawe. fewe fewere, Old English fēawera, genitive plural of fēawa few; see -er ⁴ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Fewer babies means fewer workers contributing to the system.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

Fewer than one in five households in the U.S. meet this description.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2026

Fewer central banks now store bullion in London and New York than a year earlier, with the Bank of England and New York Federal Reserve seeing declines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

Fewer than 360,000 people visited the Communist-run island in the first five months of 2026, a decrease of 58.4% compared to the same period last year, according to Onei.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

"We did not capture enough horses. A few, but . . . well, I'll make do with what I have, I suppose. Fewer men means more glory."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin