multiply

1 of 3

verb

mul·​ti·​ply ˈməl-tə-ˌplī How to pronounce multiply (audio)
multiplied; multiplying
Synonyms of multiplynext

transitive verb

1
: to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples : augment
2
a
: to find the product of by multiplication
multiply 7 and 8
b
: to use as a multiplicand in multiplication with another number
multiply 7 by 8

intransitive verb

1
a
: to become greater in number : spread
b
: breed, propagate
2
: to perform multiplication

multiply

2 of 3

adverb

mul·​ti·​ply ˈməl-tə-plē How to pronounce multiply (audio)
: in a multiple manner : in several ways
multiply talented children

multi-ply

3 of 3

adjective

mul·​ti-ply ˌməl-tē-ˈplī How to pronounce multi-ply (audio)
-ˌtī-
: composed of several plies

Synonyms of multiply

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for multiply

increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater.

increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity

his waistline increased with age

; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

increased her landholdings

enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Examples of multiply in a Sentence

Verb Complaints about the new procedure soon multiplied. Her responsibilities multiplied when she was promoted. Her responsibilities were multiplied by the promotion. The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions. The teacher taught the children how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to septic shock and blistering skin lesions. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026 For a decision-maker watching agent pilots multiply across departments, this is where cost, access and audit either get governed or get out of hand. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Adverb
Lead gently, and watch respect multiply around your efforts today. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 Those bulbs spread and multiply by forming little bulblets called offsets, and those grow into larger bulbs. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
They are constructed of multi-ply stainless steel, or stainless steel with aluminum, but do not have a specific nonstick coating. — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2024 Rolls of hanji in every texture, color and thickness line the walls of the two-story space, ranging from smooth letter-sized pages to premium multi-ply options. — Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for multiply

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English multiplien, from Anglo-French multiplier, from Latin multiplicare, from multiplic-, multiplex multiple

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adverb

1881, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multiply was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing multiply

Rhymes for multiply

See All Rhymes for multiply

Browse Nearby Words

multiplier onion
multiply
multi-ply
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiply. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

multiply

verb
mul·​ti·​ply
ˈməl-tə-ˌplī
multiplied; multiplying
1
a
: to increase in number : make or become more numerous
b
: to produce offspring : breed
rabbits multiply rapidly
2
a
: to use in finding a product by multiplication
multiply 7 and 8
multiply 7 by 8
b
: to perform multiplication
first divide and then multiply

More from Merriam-Webster on multiply

Nglish: Translation of multiply for Spanish Speakers

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