outnumber

American  

[out-nuhm-ber] / ˌaʊtˈnʌm bər /

verb (used with object)

1. to exceed in number.

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outnumber British  

/ ˌaʊtˈnʌmbə /

verb

1. (tr) to exceed in number

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Etymology

Origin of outnumber

First recorded in 1660–70; out- + number

Explanation

To outnumber is to have more of one thing than another. Sometimes it’s good, like when chocolate chips outnumber the raisins in the trail mix. Sometimes it’s bad, like when ants outnumber the people at a picnic. In many cities, pigeons seem to outnumber any other kind of bird — in other words, there are more pigeons than sparrows, crows, and robins. If the girls in a class outnumber boys by three to one, there are three times more girls than boys. And in a school cafeteria, lunches that include meat will often outnumber the vegetarian choices. This verb has been around since the 1600s. It makes it sound like counting is a competition.

Example Sentences

“We outnumber them, we have more love than them, and I have no doubt in my mind that people are willing and able to keep each other safe,” Caravello said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

When sellers outnumber buyers, buyers typically hold the negotiating power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

One notable outlier is Saudi Arabia, where women outnumber men in the AI-skilled talent pool.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

To win in Texas, where Republicans outnumber Democrats, Crockett has to do more than just turn out her party’s voters; she has to convince moderates, conservatives, and independents to take a chance on her too.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

He says he cannot accept what Van Rappard has said—that Vincent's work is extremely weak, that the faults outnumber his strengths.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• exceed