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

… a great novel gives us a very complex, very multiple impression of a portion of life …

—Marjorie Boulton

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 of multiple

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

While Starship has reached the fringes of space on multiple flights lasting an hour at most, Bezos’ Blue Moon has yet to lift off, although a prototype is being readied for a moonshot later this year. —Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026

Eustis actually had twice as many hits as their Panther counterparts, but Coral Springs Charter pitcher Counrtney Wahlbrink managed to escape multiple innings with timely strikeouts. —Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Noun

Investment Perspective And Portfolio Approach The current forward multiple of 13x heavily reflects a discount of the stock due to near-term regulatory uncertainties stemming from FTC litigation and the notable DIY tax disappointment. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Sean Allen, president of the San Jose-Silicon Valley NAACP, said social services had been called to the residence multiple times. —Kenny Choi, CBS News, 21 May 2026

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