a lot

[uh lot]

noun

1. lot.

adverb

1. lot.

Spelling Note

As a noun and adverb, a lot is frequently misspelled as alot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of a lot¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Idioms and Phrases

Very many, a large number; also, very much. For example, A lot of people think the economy is declining, or Sad movies always made her cry a lot. It is sometimes put as a whole lot for greater emphasis, as in I learned a whole lot in his class. It may also emphasize a comparative indication of amount, as in We need a whole lot more pizza to feed everyone, or Mary had a lot less nerve than I expected. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

Example Sentences

“Sometimes privileged people don’t listen. Luckily, Lee does listen to a lot of people around him. And eventually, even if he doesn’t adhere to their advice, you know, he still hears them.”

From Salon

“We know the Ellisons are formidable, powerful and have a lot of resources,” said the Paramount employee.

From Los Angeles Times

Blake Stephenson says that during the 2024 election campaign he had experienced a lot of anger from voters and that "humility is important".

From BBC

“It was a small project, but there were a lot of issues with the house,” Warwas said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s true you will find $24,000 Eames lounge chairs at Los Angeles vintage stores, but it’s also possible to score name-brand furnishings for a lot less at local thrift stores.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• entirely 
• substantially 
• totally 
• wholly