multiplex

American  

[muhl-tuh-pleks] / ˈmʌl təˌplɛks /

adjective

1. having many parts or aspects.

   the multiplex problem of drug abuse.

2. manifold; multiple.

   the multiplex opportunities in high technology.

3. Telecommunications. of, relating to, or using equipment permitting the simultaneous transmission of two or more signals or messages over a single channel.

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verb (used with object)

multiplexes, present (3rd person singular) multiplexed, past participle, past multiplexing present participle

1. Telecommunications.

   1. to arrange (a circuit) for use by multiplex telegraphy, allowing multiple synchronous signals to be sent and received on a single telegraph wire.

   2. to transmit (two or more signals or messages) by a multiplex system, circuit, or the like, as in telegraph and telephone communication, or television and radio broadcasting.

verb (used without object)

multiplexes, present (3rd person singular) multiplexed, past participle, past multiplexing present participle

1. to send several messages or signals simultaneously, as in telegraph and telephone communication, or television and radio broadcasting.

noun

1. a multiplex electronics system.

2. (in map making) a stereoscopic device that makes it possible to view pairs of aerial photographs in three dimensions.

3. Also called multiplex cinema.  Also called multiplex theater.  a group of two or more movie theaters on the same site or in the same building, especially a cluster of adjoining theaters.

multiplex British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplɛks /

noun

1. telecomm

   1. the use of a common communications channel for sending two or more messages or signals. In frequency-division multiplex the frequency band transmitted by the common channel is split into narrower bands each of which constitutes a distinct channel. In time-division multiplex different channels are established by intermittent connections to the common channel

   2. ( as modifier )

      a multiplex transmitter

2. 1. a purpose-built complex containing a number of cinemas and usually a restaurant or bar

   2. ( as modifier )

      a multiplex cinema

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adjective

1. designating a method of map-making using three cameras to produce a stereoscopic effect

2. a less common word for multiple

verb

1. to send (messages or signals) or (of messages or signals) be sent by multiplex

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• multiplexer
  noun
• multiplexor
  noun

Inflected Forms

Participles

• multiplexing
  present
• multiplexed
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• multiplex
  simple
• multiplexes
  simple
• have multiplexed
  perfect
• has multiplexed
  perfect
• am multiplexing
  progressive
• are multiplexing
  progressive
• is multiplexing
  progressive
• have been multiplexing
  perfect progressive
• has been multiplexing
  perfect progressive

Past

• multiplexed
  simple
• had multiplexed
  perfect
• was multiplexing
  progressive
• were multiplexing
  progressive
• had been multiplexing
  perfect progressive

Future

• will multiplex
  simple
• will have multiplexed
  perfect
• will be multiplexing
  progressive
• will have been multiplexing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of multiplex

From Latin, dating back to 1550–60; see origin at multi-, -plex

Explanation

A multiplex is like a movie lover’s paradise — a big building packed with many theaters, so you can decide whether you’re in the mood for an action flick, a comedy, or the latest animated hit, all under one roof. The word multiplex us built from multi-, meaning "many," and plex, meaning "having parts or units." Originally, it described something complex or made up of many parts, and it still does. It also describes communication systems that carry multiple signals on the same channel. But today, the more common meaning of multiplex is a large cinema complex with multiple theaters showing different movies.

Example Sentences

Over “Obsession’s” first few weekends, 75% of the audience was 17 to 34, which is significant at a time when major studios have struggled to consistently get younger viewers to trek to the multiplex.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2026

The opening of “Masters of the Universe” mimics that of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” potentially triggering those moviegoers who dislike the brainy end of the multiplex, but never fear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

“It is really relevant to people our age just because we all grew up playing Backrooms stuff or seeing videos,” the 19 year-old said while walking out of a multiplex.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

This amalgamation of excessive style is a favorite at the multiplex these days, typically to lackluster effect.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

Then we were to go to the multiplex while my mother “picked up a few things at the mall,” which is what she calls shopping.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

Related Words

• different
• numerous
• various