[a lot] {n.}, {informal} A large number or amount; very many or very much; lots.
* /I learned a lot in Mr. Smith's class./* /A lot of our friends are going to the beach this summer./
- Often used like an adverb.
* /Ella is a jolly girl; she laughs a lot./* /Grandfather was very sick last week, but he's a lot better now./* /You'll have to study a lot harder if you want to pass./
- Also used as an adjective with "more", "less", and "fewer".
* /There was a good crowd at the game today, but a lot more will come next week./
- Often used with "whole" for emphasis.
* /John has a whole lot of marbles./* /Jerry is a whole lot taller than he was a year ago./
Compare: GOOD DEAL, GOOD MANY, A NUMBER. Contrast: A FEW, A LITTLE.