multiplier

American  

[muhl-tuh-plahy-er] / ˈmʌl təˌplaɪ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies.

2. Arithmetic. a number by which another is multiplied.

3. Physics. a device for intensifying some effect.

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multiplier British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies

2. the number by which another number, the multiplicand, is multiplied See also multiplicand

3. physics any device or instrument, such as a photomultiplier, for increasing an effect

4. economics

   1. the ratio of the total change in income (resulting from successive rounds of spending) to an initial autonomous change in expenditure

   2. ( as modifier )

      multiplier effects

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multiplier Scientific  

/ mŭl′tə-plī′ər /

1. The number by which another number is multiplied.

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Etymology

Origin of multiplier

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at multiply ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

"It's clear that China's operations planning in the South China Sea and around Taiwan include the maritime militia as a force multiplier," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Online sportsbooks are now poised to be to modern gambling what drones are to warfare — a remarkable, unchecked multiplier of pain and gain.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Under the proposals originally made in November's budget, pubs would have seen the multiplier that they would be charged on their rateable value reduced from around 50% to just under 40%.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

For the brave men and women risking their lives in Iran, the seizure of these vessels would be a force multiplier, bolstering confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Fifty thousand pounds in modern money, using a retail price index, but £725,000 in modern money using an average wage multiplier.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton