multitask

[muhl-tee-task, -tahsk, muhl-tahy-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR multitask ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

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

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

Origin of multitask

First recorded in 1960–65; multi-+ task

Related formsmul·ti·task·er, nounmul·ti·task·ing, mul·ti-task·ing, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for multitasking

juggle, balance, syndicate, aggregate

Examples from the Web for multitasking

Contemporary Examples of multitasking

Eat at regular mealtimes and pay attention to your food instead of multitasking.
Meet the Chef Fighting to Ensure That Brazilians Will Never Be as Fat as Americans
Brandon Presser
June 25, 2014
“Gisele Bündchen's Multitasking Photo Proves She Really Is A ‘Super Model’ Mom,” The Huffington Post wrote.
Why Do We Love Gisele Bundchen but Hate Gwyneth Paltrow?
Erin Cunningham
May 15, 2014
Murray defended herself at a press conference, saying that multitasking is something every mom knows how to do.
Supercommittee’s Double Agent?
Patricia Murphy
August 11, 2011
Multitasking has become second nature to Froelich, who often has several projects going at once.
A Gossip Girl Tells All
Isabel Wilkinson
June 7, 2009
And back at BlogHer, none other than Michelle Obama outed herself as an overworked, multitasking mom—just like us!
Moms, Including Michelle, Spin the Debate Online
Erika Schickel
October 16, 2008

British Dictionary definitions for multitasking

multitasking

noun

computing the execution of various diverse tasks simultaneously

the carrying out of two or more tasks at the same time by one person

multitask

verb (intr)

to work at several different tasks simultaneously

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for multitasking

also multi-tasking, 1966, originally in computing, from multi- + tasking (see task). Of humans, by 1998. Related: Multitask (v.). As an adjective, multi-task is recorded from 1954 in a non-computer mechanical context.

multitasking in Science

multitasking

[mŭl′tē-tăs′kĭng]

The concurrent operation by one central processing unit of two or more processes.