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.
While vastly outnumbered, a smattering of Cape Verde fans were in the crowd. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 In recent years, deaths have outnumbered births by roughly 600,000 a year. — Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Egyptian fans in the 300 level of the stadium were outnumbered but felt brave enough to taunt the throngs of Argentines behind them. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 They're outnumbered already, and the Mexican cartel HQ is closer. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 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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