abound
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers.
a stream in which trout abound.
-
to be rich or well supplied (usually followed byin ).
The region abounds in coal.
-
to be filled; teem (usually followed bywith ).
The ship abounds with rats.
verb
-
to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful
a swamp in which snakes abound
-
to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)
the gardens abound with flowers
the fields abound in corn
Other Word Forms
- aboundingly adverb
- overabound verb (used without object)
- well-abounding adjective
Etymology
Origin of abound
1325–75; Middle English abounden < Latin abundāre to overflow, equivalent to ab- ab- + undāre to move in waves; undulate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Across the backends of the internet, cheeky characterizations of Norris-as-god still abound: Chuck Norris can believe it’s not butter, Chuck Norris doesn’t dodge bullets—they dodge him, Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026
It added: “Awe-inspiring features abound, including eight spacious en-suite bedrooms with beautifully appointed baths, a guest house complete with a kitchenette, and an intricately paneled study featuring a warm fireplace.”
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
In Taipei, theories abound about the flight lull.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
Fake “Canadian pharmacy” websites abound, and it can be hard to tell what’s legitimate.
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
Skunks abound, and foxes and coyotes and wolves and weasels—all predators.
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
