multiplication
noun
mul·ti·pli·ca·tion
ˌməl-tə-plə-ˈkā-shən 
1
: the act or process of multiplying : the state of being multiplied
2
a
: a mathematical operation that at its simplest is an abbreviated process of adding an integer to zero a specified number of times and that is extended to other numbers in accordance with laws that are valid for integers
b
: any of various mathematical operations that are analogous in some way to multiplication of the real numbers but are defined for other or larger sets of elements (such as complex numbers, vectors, matrices, or functions)
Examples of multiplication in a Sentence
Students are learning multiplication and division.
a disease causing uncontrolled multiplication of cells
an uncontrolled multiplication of cells
Recent Examples on the Web
The study found that the incorrect, older models led to a significant bias in criticality calculations, causing an artificial overestimation of the reactor’s effective neutron multiplication factor (keff).
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
That’s politics by multiplication, not division.
—Marie Alvarado Gil, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Some affect people’s immune systems, while others involve the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal lymphocytes, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
At Google DeepMind, Fawzi had led the team that in 2022 developed its AlphaTensor AI, which discovered new ways to do matrix multiplication, a fundamental mathematical process for training and running neural networks and many other computer applications.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for multiplication
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
That’s politics by multiplication, not division.
—Marie Alvarado Gil, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Some affect people’s immune systems, while others involve the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal lymphocytes, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
At Google DeepMind, Fawzi had led the team that in 2022 developed its AlphaTensor AI, which discovered new ways to do matrix multiplication, a fundamental mathematical process for training and running neural networks and many other computer applications.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for multiplication
Cite this Entry
“Multiplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiplication. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
multiplication
noun
mul·ti·pli·ca·tion
ˌməl-tə-plə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act or process of multiplying
2
: a mathematical operation that takes two numbers and gives an answer equal to the sum of a column containing one of the numbers repeated the number of times of the other number
the multiplication of 8 and 3 is the same as the sum of 8+8+8
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