many a/an

idiom

formal + literary

—used with a singular noun to refer to a large number of things or people

I've been there many a time.

Many a tale was told.

Many a man has tried but few men have succeeded.

Examples of many a/an in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like many an Orlando native, Pyatt found work in theme parks and attractions. —

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2024 For many a millennial, this trend can trigger flashbacks to shopping at Charlotte Russe for a winter formal dress. —

Sam Reed, Glamour, 28 June 2024 While in times past their size and often stupendous length likely gave rise to many a sailor’s tales of sea serpents, the innocent oarfish is hardly a diabolical or supernatural creature. —

Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2024 The perception of Biden as ineffective has been a source of much vexation in the President’s camp, and the subject of many an op-ed column and blog post. —

James Lardner, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for many a/an

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'many a/an.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.