so many 1 adj. 1. A limited number of; some Our school auditorium will hold only so many people. 2. A group of. Often used for emphasis. The children were all sitting very quietly in their chairs, like so many dolls.
Compare: SO MUCH. adj. Bob is always bragging; his stories are just so many lies.
so many 2 pron . A limited number; some. Many people want to come to the prom; but the gymnasium will hold only so many. Don't give the boys all the cookies they want; give so many to Tom, so many to Dick, and so many to Bob.
Compare: SO MUCH.