First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
copious
adjective co·pi·ous \ˈkō-pē-əs\
: very large in amount or number
Full Definition of COPIOUS
1
a : yielding something abundantly <a copious harvest> <copious springs> b : plentiful in number <copious references to other writers>
2
a : full of thought, information, or matter b : profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style <a copious talker>
3
: present in large quantity : taking place on a large scale <copious weeping> <copious food and drink>
— co·pi·ous·ly adverb
— co·pi·ous·ness noun
See copious defined for English-language learners
See copious defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of COPIOUS
- It was no surprise that spin was more copious than ever during the election campaign. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001
- These pockets of melted rock are rich in silica and release copious amounts of volatile gases that are held under high pressures. —Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, 7 Apr. 1998
- … travelers grew accustomed to having copious helpings of meat when they visited Quimper's inn. —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
- The Constants—ignorant, vulgar, and brash—had copious quantities of dumb luck. —Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., The Sirens Of Titan, 1959
- [+]more
Origin of COPIOUS
Middle English, from Latin copiosus, from copia abundance, from co- + ops wealth — more at opulent
Synonym Discussion of COPIOUS
plentiful, ample, abundant, copious mean more than sufficient without being excessive. plentiful implies a great or rich supply <peaches are plentiful this summer>. ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement <ample food to last the winter>. abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful <streams abundant with fish>. copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness <copious examples of bureaucratic waste>.
COPIOUSLY Defined for Kids
copious
adjective co·pi·ous \ˈkō-pē-əs\
Definition of COPIOUS for Kids
: very plentiful : abundant <She takes copious notes in class.>
— co·pi·ous·ly adverb
Learn More About COPIOUS
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up copious? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).