multiple

[ muhl-tuh-puhl ]

adjective

1. consisting of, having, or involving several or many individuals, parts, elements, relations, etc.; manifold.
2. Electricity.
   1. (of circuits) arranged in parallel.
   2. (of a circuit or circuits) having a number of points at which connection can be made.
3. Botany. (of a fruit) collective.

noun

1. Mathematics. a number that contains another number an integral number of times without a remainder:

   12 is a multiple of 3.

2. Electricity. a group of terminals arranged to make a circuit or group of circuits accessible at a number of points at any one of which connection can be made.

multiple

/ ˈmʌltɪpəl /

adjective

1. having or involving more than one part, individual, etc

   he had multiple injuries

2. electronics (of a circuit) having a number of conductors in parallel

noun

1. the product of a given number or polynomial and any other one

   6 is a multiple of 2

2. telephony an electrical circuit accessible at a number of points to any one of which a connection can be made
3. short for multiple store

multiple

/ mŭl′tə-pəl /

1. A number that may be divided by another number with no remainder. For example, 4, 10, and 32 are multiples of 2.

Derived Forms

• ˈmultiply, adverb

Other Words From

• non·multi·ple adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiple¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from French, from Late Latin multiplus “manifold”; multi-

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiple¹

C17: via French from Late Latin multiplus, from Latin multiplex

Example Sentences

“We knew it was going to take multiple guys to tackle him,” said linebacker Nick Niemann, who rotated with Troy Dye in Perryman’s place.

From Los Angeles Times

“You never know what you're going to find on the apps. Plus, you could potentially save hundreds if you’re buying holiday gifts for multiple people,” she said.

From Salon

He advised shoppers to compare prices at multiple retailers and use websites which check the product’s price history.

From BBC

Many heterosexual couples also describe the challenges of multiple rounds of IVF and the rollercoaster of emotions going through years of treatment.

From BBC

Since at least 2016, there have been multiple moments when the American people and their institutions and leaders could have made different choices that would have prevented Trump’s rise and return to power.

From Salon

Related Words

• different
• numerous
• various