simultaneous
Americanadjective
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of simultaneous
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin simul “together” ( see similar) + (instan)taneous
Explanation
The adjective simultaneous describes something that is done at the same time as something else. "The teachers all assigned simultaneous projects to the students that week. The kids were grumbling and sleep-deprived due to the grind." The Latin root of simultaneous is simul, which also means "at the same time." One way to remember this word is to think of simulcast programs that are simultaneously available through different television networks, radio stations or Web sites — so you can catch that concert on TV while your friend is listening to it on his car radio.
Vocabulary lists containing simultaneous
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
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100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Device support Most users today own more than a single device, so select a provider that supports multiple simultaneous connections.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
The presentation from the principals was delivered in Irish, with simultaneous English translation provided during the hearing.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
The artificial-intelligence boom’s forecasted energy needs exceed supply, according to most estimates, unless there is a simultaneous investment boom in power generation.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026
Bank of England warns of significant global investor risk, citing potential simultaneous macroeconomic shocks and valuation readjustments.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
Serena Wong’s own mother happened to be shopping at the Asian grocery that morning and—to Serena’s simultaneous pride and mortification—had spoken quite forcefully on the subject.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
