multiplier

American  

[muhl-tuh-plahy-er] / ˈmʌl təˌplaɪ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies.

2. Arithmetic. a number by which another is multiplied.

3. Physics. a device for intensifying some effect.

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multiplier British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies

2. the number by which another number, the multiplicand, is multiplied See also multiplicand

3. physics any device or instrument, such as a photomultiplier, for increasing an effect

4. economics

   1. the ratio of the total change in income (resulting from successive rounds of spending) to an initial autonomous change in expenditure

   2. ( as modifier )

      multiplier effects

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multiplier Scientific  

/ mŭl′tə-plī′ər /

1. The number by which another number is multiplied.

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Etymology

Origin of multiplier

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at multiply ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

multiplier

The grant has also been a force multiplier for smaller departments.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

Because it was so truthful, because it came from such a truthful place, it had a multiplier effect when we put it on TV.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

"Vinted's journey has certainly been intertwined with the broader development of Lithuania's startup ecosystem," said the company's vice president for corporate affairs, Jessie de la Merced, arguing that its presence has had a "multiplier effect".

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

There can be a multiplier effect from supporters who gave only $5 but then displayed a yard sign or bumper sticker and talked to neighbors about their candidate.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 2026

Fifty thousand pounds in modern money, using a retail price index, but £725,000 in modern money using an average wage multiplier.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton