WordGarden.iomultiple
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈʌltɪpəl/
US
- /ˈməltəpəl/
Meanings
Adjective
having or involving more than one part, instance, or element
Noun
a number that contains another number an exact whole number of times
Beyond the definition
"Multiple" means more than one. Think of it like having multiple choices on a test instead of just one. It describes something that exists in several forms, parts, or examples. You might have multiple siblings, multiple tasks to finish, or even multiple meanings for one word. It is often used when the exact number is not important, only the idea that there is more than one. A detective might look into multiple suspects, and a baker might make a cake with multiple layers of frosting.
The word "multiple" describes something that includes more than one part, element, or example. It tells you that there is not just a single thing, but several. The exact number is often not stated. For example, if someone talks about multiple benefits, they mean there are several good points, not just one.
"Multiple" can be used in many contexts. In mathematics, a multiple is the result of multiplying a number by a whole number, such as the multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, and 20. In computing, using multiple processors can help speed up work by sharing the load. In everyday language, you might have multiple options for dinner or face multiple delays on your way to work.
It also appears in common phrases. A multiple-choice test gives several possible answers. Looking at multiple perspectives helps you see an issue from different sides. You can also talk about multiple reasons, multiple problems, or multiple opportunities when several things are involved at the same time.
So whether you are talking about numbers, choices, reasons, or perspectives, "multiple" signals the simple idea that more than one thing is present.
Examples
- 1
Everyday problems
We had multiple problems with the new printer.
- 2
Repeated action
She emailed him multiple times before he replied.
- 3
Building layout
The hotel has multiple entrances, so meet me at the front desk.
- 4
Causes
The delay was caused by multiple factors, not just bad weather.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workload
He has worked on multiple projects at the same time.
- 6
Test format
The test has ten multiple-choice questions.
- Phrasemultiple-choice
with several answers to choose from
- 7
Repeated mentions
She has mentioned the problem on multiple occasions.
- Phraseon multiple occasions
several different times
- 8
Math
Twelve is a multiple of three.
- Patterna multiple of + number
a number that can be divided by that number exactly
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- multiplenounadjective
Forms
- multiplespluralnounadjective