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

The threat landscape has transformed through intersecting trends: Emerging powers multiply our potential adversaries while advanced technologies enable untraceable attacks. —Tim Eades, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

In certain circumstances, players can also multiply non-jackpot prizes by using the Power Play option for an additional $1. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Adverb

Worrying about upsetting your team means problems multiply unchecked. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

And as climate disasters multiply, insurers have already been pulling back from risk-prone areas like Southern California. —David Gelles, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The 360 Cookware multi-ply products boast three layers – stainless exterior, aluminum core for optimal heat and no coatings. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2022

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

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

Rhymes for multiply

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

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