umpteen

American  

[uhmp-teen] / ˈʌmpˈtin /

Also umpsteen

adjective

Informal.

1. innumerable; many.

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umpteen British  

/ ˌʌmpˈtiːn /

determiner

1. informal

   1. very many

      umpteen things to do

   2. ( as pronoun )

      umpteen of them came

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Other Word Forms

• umpteenth noun

Etymology

Origin of umpteen

1915–20; ump(ty) , fanciful designation for an indeterminate number (with -ty as in twenty, etc.) + -teen

Example Sentences

It blossomed with her friends and umpteen pen pals and reached full flower at the Malibu Cinema, the movie theater that she and her husband operated for two decades in the heart of Malibu.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2025

Behind the scenes, two shiny steel smokers hold umpteen dangling rows of curing links, among lots of other equipment that gets the sausage made.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2023

I mean, I didn't even know what a Kardashian was for umpteen years, and I led a blessed existence until someone finally, I said, "What's a Kardashian?"

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2023

England have tried umpteen plans against Smith, but are more likely to find success on a good length with the ball moving back towards him.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2023

I may not’ve had a date in umpteen years, but who does he think he is?

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett