multitask

American  

[muhl-tee-task, -tahsk, muhl-tahy-] / ˈmʌl tiˌtæsk, -ˌtɑsk, ˈmʌl taɪ- /

verb (used without object)

1. Computers. (of a single CPU) to execute two or more jobs concurrently.

2. (of one person) to perform two or more tasks simultaneously.

---

multitask British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌtɑːsk /

verb

1. to work at several different tasks simultaneously

---

Other Word Forms

• multi-tasking noun
• multitasker noun
• multitasking noun

Etymology

Origin of multitask

First recorded in 1960–65; multi- + task

Example Sentences

When cameras are on, participants can’t multitask or pretend to be paying attention when they aren’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

There are a multitude of cognitive pluses — early research suggests language learning can help us multitask more efficiently and improve attention span and abstract thinking.

From Salon • Feb. 10, 2024

The problem was that Remi struggled to multitask.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2024

I’m always trying to multitask and do much as possible at once.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Dr. Strayer wanted the emerging field of research to also answer another question: Why, given it was becoming clear that the brain faced limitations, were people continuing to multitask, particularly in challenging, even dangerous, situations?

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel