manifold

1 of 4

adjective

man·​i·​fold ˈma-nə-ˌfōld 

1

a

: marked by diversity or variety

performs the manifold duties required of him

—J. H. Ferguson

b

: many

the manifold details

2

: comprehending or uniting various features : multifarious

the romantic symphony, with its manifold melodic content

—P. H. Lang

3

: rightfully so-called for many reasons

a manifold liar

4

: consisting of or operating many of one kind combined

a manifold bellpull

manifoldly

ˈma-nə-ˌfōl(d)-lē 

adverb

manifoldness

ˈma-nə-ˌfōl(d)-nəs 

noun

manifold

2 of 4

adverb

: many times : a great deal

will increase your blessings manifold

manifold

3 of 4

verb

manifolded; manifolding; manifolds

transitive verb

1

: to make manifold : multiply

2

: to make several or many copies of

intransitive verb

: to make several or many copies

manifold

4 of 4

noun

: something that is manifold: such as

a

: a whole that unites or consists of many diverse elements

the manifold of aspirations, passions, frustrations

—Harry Slochower

b

: a pipe fitting with several lateral outlets for connecting one pipe with others

especially : a fitting on an internal combustion engine that directs a fuel and air mixture to or receives the exhaust gases from several cylinders

c

: set sense 21

d

: a topological space in which every point has a neighborhood that is homeomorphic to the interior of a sphere in Euclidean space of the same number of dimensions

Synonyms

Adjective

• various
• multifarious
• myriad

Examples of manifold in a Sentence

Adjective

The benefits of this approach are manifold.

the manifold attractions of that state make it an ideal destination for a family vacation

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

On page 1, the details of each manifold are hazy, and many manifolds that don’t really belong have been erroneously included. —Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 2025

The interpersonal rivalries and longtime feuds animating the race are manifold. —Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Adverb

In the past fortnight, hope has grown manifold in the field. —Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 15 Feb. 2022

Experts caution that once firms go public, the scrutiny goes up manifold. —Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2021

Noun

When designing these systems, select a partner experienced with the full cooling architecture: manifolds, piping, CDUs, chillers, pumps and cabinets. —Steven Carlini, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

L3Harris/Aerojet Rocketdyne With this finding, three of Starliner's eight helium manifolds now show signs of leakage. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, and Verb

Middle English, from Old English manigfeald, from manig many + -feald -fold

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manifold

• intake manifold

Rhymes for manifold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• marigold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• stranglehold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled
• ahold

Kids Definition

manifold

1 of 3 adjective

man·​i·​fold ˈman-ə-ˌfōld 

1

: of many and various kinds

manifold excuses

2

: including or uniting various features

a manifold personality

3

: consisting of or operating many of one kind joined together

a manifold pipe

manifoldly

-ˌfōl-(d)lē 

adverb

manifold

2 of 3 noun

: something manifold

especially : a pipe fitting having several outlets for connecting one pipe with others

manifold

3 of 3 verb

: to make several copies

manifold a manuscript