many a

Idioms

Numerous ones, as in Many a little boy has wanted to become a fireman. This adjective is always used with a singular noun, a usage dating from about 1200. Also see many is the.

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.

A day job is still, for many, a necessity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The veteran has weathered many a political storm, including a scandal over his use of party funds to buy expensive suits.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

And it goes to this deeper point that we have clocked many a time on this show.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026

All of Meow Wolf’s exhibitions have a sci-fi bent, and Los Angeles will be no different, with many a nod to films of science fiction and fantasy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

Probably, though we thought not so soon and not so many; a rat has a natural set of tools that monkeys lack: sharp, pointed teeth that never stop growing.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023