multiply

¹

[muhl-tuh-plahy]

verb (used with object)

multiplied, multiplying 

1. to make many or manifold; increase the number, quantity, etc., of.

2. Arithmetic.,  to find the product of by multiplication.

3. to breed (animals).

4. to propagate (plants).

5. to increase by procreation.

verb (used without object)

multiplied, multiplying 

1. to grow in number, quantity, etc.; increase.

   Synonyms: mushroom, grow, proliferate

2. Arithmetic.,  to perform the process of multiplication.

3. to increase in number by procreation or natural generation.

multiply

²

[muhl-tuh-plee]

adverb

1. in several or many ways; in a multiple manner; manifoldly.

multiply

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪ /

verb

1. to increase or cause to increase in number, quantity, or degree

2. (tr) to combine (two numbers or quantities) by multiplication

3. (intr) to increase in number by reproduction

multiply

1. To perform multiplication on a pair of quantities.

Other Word Forms

• multipliable adjective
• self-multiplied adjective
• self-multiplying adjective
• unmultiplied adjective
• unmultiplying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiply¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English multiplien, from Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicāre; multi-, ply ²

Origin of multiply²

First recorded in 1880–85; multiple + -ly

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiply¹

C13: from Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicāre to multiply, from multus much, many + plicāre to fold

Example Sentences

Once modified, the cells must multiply in the lab for several weeks before there are enough to be infused back into the patient.

Read more on Science Daily

For decades, Americans with low to moderate incomes largely sat on the sidelines as higher earners multiplied their wealth in a series of bull markets dating back to 1982.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Now, through carbon finance, we have found a way to really multiply that effort,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Getting” Gen Z has also been complicated by the death of monoculture, the speed at which youth trends come and go, and the multiplying media channels where brands are now expected to participate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Online sales of evacuation kits multiplied, stores set up displays of survival gear and influencers dropped videos showing what to include.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accumulate 
• augment 
• boost 
• breed 
• build up 
• enlarge 
• expand 
• generate 
• heighten 
• magnify 
• proliferate 
• propagate 
• spread