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 kind of chronic multitasking activates certain neural pathways over and over again, often leaving little space for deeper cognitive exploration. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025

Excessive multitasking makes things even worse, further chipping away our ability to stay focused. —Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

As Apple promised, windowed multitasking is available on these iPads, but the default setting is to turn all multitasking off entirely. —ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025

Start with five minutes and remember distractions and multitasking are not helpful; have a plan with your fun activity to refocus. —Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 7 July 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