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 of multiply

Verb

• reproduce
• propagate

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

And there was Erling Haaland living his best Norwegian life, terrifying on the pitch and absurd off it, multiplying his stardom with a flamboyance and humor that didn’t detract from his serious talent. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Meanwhile, the goals of the war have frayed and multiplied, with the United States now putting out fires of its own making. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026

Adverb

Uncovering The 'Invisible Deals' Outside Crowded Markets When everyone chases the same public equities or trendy investment fads, asset prices rise, underwriting standards lower and hidden risks multiply. — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

As these power-hungry facilities multiply, our communities and ratepayers need stronger safeguards and greater transparency. — Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Adjective

Pima, Egyptian cotton, linen, and bamboo fabrics are the best materials, and even at lower thread counts can outperform multi-ply blends. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026

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
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

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