Definition of several

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sev·er·al    (svr-l, svrl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Being of a number more than two or three but not many: several miles away.
2. Single; distinct: "Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
3. Respectively different; various: They parted and went their several ways. See Synonyms at distinct.
4. Law Relating separately to each party of a bond or note.

PRONOUN:
(used with a pl. verb)

An indefinite but small number; some or a few: Several of the workers went home sick.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, separate, from Anglo-Norman, from Medieval Latin sparlis, sperlis, from Latin spar, from sparre, to separate ; see separate

OTHER FORMS:
sever·al·ly(Adverb)