multitask

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

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

/ ˈmʌltɪˌtɑːsk /

verb

1. to work at several different tasks simultaneously

Other Words From

• multi·tasker noun
• multi·tasking multi-tasking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of multitask¹

First recorded in 1960–65; multi- + task

Example Sentences

He pointed, in particular, to the judge’s ruling that the defense team must submit, in just 24 hours, the full list of exhibits they intend to present at trial, rejecting pleas for more time by noting that Trump’s lawyers had repeatedly found a way to multitask and rapidly filed numerous, lengthy motions before.

From Salon

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

“Whereas before it was only about skiing, now an athlete has to multitask and worry about curating their image and marketing themselves. But the days still last 24 hours.”

From Seattle Times

The problem was that Remi struggled to multitask.

From Slate

“While I can multitask in my life and as a PR professional, I cannot multitask creatively,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times