multiplayer

American  

[muhl-tee-pley-er, muhl-tahy‐] / ˈmʌl tiˌpleɪ ər, ˈmʌl taɪ‐ /

adjective

1. noting or relating to a video game, or a portion of a video game, in which more than one person plays at the same time in a shared game environment: a multiplayer experience.

   a multiplayer game;

   multiplayer mode;

   a multiplayer experience.

2. relating to or involving more than one player.

   The pitcher was traded in a multiplayer deal.

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multiplayer British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌpleɪə /

noun

1. a mode of play involving more than one player at one time in a computer or video game

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Etymology

Origin of multiplayer

First recorded in 1945–50; multi- + player

Example Sentences

Multiplayer shooter video game Highguard will "permanently shut down" just weeks after its release, its developer has announced.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

In 1997, Origin Systems launched “UItima Online,” the first megahit of a revolutionary new genre called the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game, or MMORPG.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Changes to Oddball in both Ranked and Arena Multiplayer playlists: If the score is tied when a round’s timer runs out, one minute is added back to the timer.

From The Verge • Feb. 3, 2022

Multiplayer titles, which include some of today’s biggest and most popular games like “Fortnite” or “Roblox,” present an additional challenge.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2022

Multiplayer video games that connect participants around the world also demand faster internet traffic with less delay, he added.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2017