outnumber

verb

out·​num·​ber ˌau̇t-ˈnəm-bər How to pronounce outnumber (audio)
outnumbered; outnumbering; outnumbers

transitive verb

: to exceed in number

Examples of outnumber in a Sentence

With 20 girls and 10 boys in the class, girls outnumber boys by 2 to 1.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After working in the insurance business, where the only other women were predominantly secretaries, being outnumbered by men was nothing new for Granger. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 The whole thing reminded me so much of Willow, when Kael’s forces arrive at Tir Asleen and Madmartigan tries to act tough and intimidating despite being badly outnumbered. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 In a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans nearly 2-1, the party’s endorsement is influential to many of the state’s voters and will prominently appear on many campaigns’ websites and mailers. — Grace Hase, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 The number of people crossing into Ceuta almost outnumbered the Spanish exclave’s population of 83,500. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outnumber

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outnumber was in 1598

Rhymes for outnumber

See All Rhymes for outnumber

Browse Nearby Words

outness
outnumber
out of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outnumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outnumber. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outnumber

verb
out·​num·​ber (ˈ)au̇t-ˈnəm-bər How to pronounce outnumber (audio)
: to be more than in number
girls outnumber boys in the class

More from Merriam-Webster on outnumber

Nglish: Translation of outnumber for Spanish Speakers

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