multiply

1 of 3

verb

mul·​ti·​ply ˈməl-tə-ˌplī 

multiplied; multiplying

transitive verb

1

: to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples : augment

2

a

: to find the product of by multiplication

multiply 7 and 8

b

: to use as a multiplicand in multiplication with another number

multiply 7 by 8

intransitive verb

1

a

: to become greater in number : spread

b

: breed, propagate

2

: to perform multiplication

multiply

2 of 3

adverb

mul·​ti·​ply ˈməl-tə-plē 

: in a multiple manner : in several ways

multiply talented children

multi-ply

3 of 3

adjective

mul·​ti-ply ˌməl-tē-ˈplī 

-ˌtī-

: composed of several plies

Synonyms

Verb

• breed
• procreate
• propagate
• reproduce

Choose the Right Synonym for multiply

increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater.

increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity

his waistline increased with age

; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

increased her landholdings

enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples of multiply in a Sentence

Verb

Complaints about the new procedure soon multiplied.

Her responsibilities multiplied when she was promoted.

Her responsibilities were multiplied by the promotion.

The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions.

The teacher taught the children how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Illinois has the most local governments in the nation, multiplying the chances for corruption Illinois’ arcane ballot rules turn politics into a blood sport where only the most powerful and savvy survive Chicago police bet big on pricey surveillance cameras. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024

Lies and propaganda about presidential candidates' stances, voting system security and the integrity of American democracy are multiplying ahead of Election Day. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Adverb

The rise of community-centric fitness brands reflects a more significant shift toward wellness and social connection, especially as fitness concepts multiply across the US market. —Brin Snelling, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Like all the showgirls before and after her, Mendoza was multiply talented, using her energy and artistic vision to deliver awe-inspiring performances for her audience. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Sep. 2024

Adjective

They are constructed of multi-ply stainless steel, or stainless steel with aluminum, but do not have a specific nonstick coating. —Molly Allen, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2024

Rolls of hanji in every texture, color and thickness line the walls of the two-story space, ranging from smooth letter-sized pages to premium multi-ply options. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English multiplien, from Anglo-French multiplier, from Latin multiplicare, from multiplic-, multiplex multiple

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adverb

1881, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing multiply

• cross multiply

Kids Definition

multiply

verb

mul·​ti·​ply

ˈməl-tə-ˌplī

multiplied; multiplying

1

a

: to increase in number : make or become more numerous

b

: to produce offspring : breed

rabbits multiply rapidly

2

a

: to use in finding a product by multiplication

multiply 7 and 8

multiply 7 by 8

b

: to perform multiplication

first divide and then multiply