multiple

1 of 2

adjective

mul·​ti·​ple ˈməl-tə-pəl 

1

: consisting of, including, or involving more than one

multiple births

multiple choices

2

: many, manifold

multiple achievements

He suffered multiple injuries in the accident.

3

: shared by many

multiple ownership

4

: having numerous aspects or functions : various

life is very multiple; full of movements, facts, and news

—John Galsworthy

5

: being a group of terminals (see terminal entry 2 sense 3) which make a circuit available at a number of points

6

: formed by coalescence of the ripening ovaries (see ovary sense 2) of several flowers

a multiple fruit

multiple

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: the product of a quantity by an integer

35 is a multiple of 7

b

: something in units of more than one or two

2

: parallel sense 4b

3

chiefly British : chain store

Synonyms

Adjective

• combined
• joint
• collective
• collaborative
• mutual
• communal
• shared

Examples of multiple in a Sentence

Adjective

She made multiple copies of the report.

a person of multiple achievements

He suffered multiple injuries in the accident.

Noun

35 is a multiple of 7.

12 is a multiple of 6.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025

Another terrific way to spend unscheduled time is in the Hydrotherapy Circuit, which includes an infrared sauna, an ice room, a jacuzzi, multiple pools and a cold plunge. —Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Noun

Goldman Sachs warns a major slowdown in AI investment by Big Tech could cut the S&P 500’s valuation multiple by up to 20%, but adds the current risk is below the level of previous bubbles. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

The stock trades at a meaningful discount to peers on forward multiples, despite superior growth and profitability. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

French, from Latin multiplex, from multi- + -plex -fold — more at -fold

First Known Use

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing multiple

• common multiple
• least common multiple
• lowest common multiple
• multiple allele
• multiple birth
• multiple chemical sensitivity
• multiple-choice
• multiple factor
• multiple myeloma
• multiple personality
• multiple personality disorder
• multiple regression
• multiple sclerosis
• multiple star
• multiple store
• multiple-valued

Kids Definition

multiple

1 of 2 adjective

mul·​ti·​ple ˈməl-tə-pəl 

1

: containing, involving, or consisting of more than one

multiple copies

2

: many entry 1 sense 1

a person of multiple achievements

multiple

2 of 2 noun

: the product of a quantity and a whole number

35 is a multiple of 7

Medical Definition

multiple

adjective

mul·​ti·​ple ˈməl-tə-pəl 

1

: consisting of, including, or involving more than one

multiple births

2

: affecting many parts of the body at once