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.

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multitask British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌtɑːsk /

verb

1. to work at several different tasks simultaneously

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Other Word Forms

• multi-tasking noun
• multitasker noun
• multitasking noun

Etymology

Origin of multitask

First recorded in 1960–65; multi- + task

Example Sentences

This means resisting the urge to take a phone call on a walk, listen to a podcast in the car or otherwise multitask while doing simple things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

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

He thinks an argument can be made that the brain might be trained in its ability not just to attend but even to multitask.

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