multitasking

noun

mul·​ti·​task·​ing ˈməl-tē-ˌta-skiŋ 

-ˌtī-

often attributive

1

: the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer

2

: the performance of multiple tasks at one time

The job requires a person who is good at multitasking.

multitask

ˈməl-tē-ˌtask 

-ˌtī-

intransitive verb

Examples of multitasking in a Sentence

The job requires someone who is good at multitasking.

Recent Examples on the Web

This mental labor, which often goes unrecognized and unspoken, is a form of cognitive multitasking that drains a person’s attention and well-being. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Cal Newport, in his book Slow Productivity, challenges the pervasive culture of busyness, urging us to reject constant multitasking and return to work that is meaningful and rooted in quality. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Increasingly busy, Barinholtz is beginning to limit his multitasking, at least professionally. —Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025

The study finds that the adverse effects of digital multitasking are more pronounced in early adolescence. —Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for multitasking

• asking
• basking
• masking
• tasking
• unmasking

Kids Definition

multitasking

noun

mul·​ti·​task·​ing -ˌtas-kiŋ 

: the performance of multiple tasks at one time especially by a computer

multitask

-ˌtask 

verb