What does "multiple" mean?
A whole number that is obtained by multiplying a specific whole number by another whole number.
Multiple
/ˈmʌltɪpəl/ adj, det, noun
adj, det, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A whole number that is obtained by multiplying a specific whole number by another whole number.
- Grammar: multiple is listed as adj, det, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: manifold, allotropic, amount, argument.
- Useful contrasts: paucal, lone, lone unit.
- Usage evidence: There was a multiple collision on the highway.
How to use "multiple"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "multiple" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "multiple" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "multiple" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "multiple" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "multiple" is acting as adj, det, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "manifold" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "multiple", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A whole number that is obtained by multiplying a specific whole number by another whole number.
"14, 21 and 70 are multiples of 7"
- 2 the product of a quantity by an integer wordnet
- 3 Price-earnings ratio.
- 4 One of a set of the same thing; a duplicate.
"One might view this attempt to ensure the scarcity of a multiple as both a marketing ploy and form of elitism."
- 5 A single individual who displays or experiences multiple personalities or selves.
"I had seen its first show when it was a freebie, but I thought it made multiples in general look silly – no one changes clothes THAT much!"
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 One of a set of siblings produced by a multiple birth.
- 7 A chain store.
"The big advantage such multiples can offer over a purely catalogue operation is that winners can be given shopping vouchers enabling them to choose from goods on display in the multiples' many outlets (Woolworths, for example, has 1,000)."
- 8 A discovery resulting from the work of many people throughout history, not merely the work of the person who makes the final connection.
"Merton's argument that all scientific discoveries are multiples would seem to contradict the theory of genius […]"
- 9 More than one piercing in a single ear.
"First of all, the 'greenhorn' stigma of piercing has worn off. The older woman sees her daughter wearing multiples. So she's confident enough to have her ears pierced at least once."
Adjective
- 1 Having more than one element, part, component, or function, having more than one instance, occurring more than once, usually contrary to expectations (can be followed by a singular). not-comparable
"Some states do explicitly prohibit multiple citizenship."
- 2 Having more than one element, part, component, or function, having more than one instance, occurring more than once, usually contrary to expectations (can be followed by a singular).; Of a person: displaying or experiencing two or more distinct personalities or selves in one body. not-comparable
"While being multiple can cause complexity to people’s lives, as will be highlighted below, all respondents noted that they would not want to change their experiences of being multiple."
Adjective
- 1 having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual wordnet
Determiner
- 1 More than one (followed by plural).
"My Swiss Army knife has multiple blades."
Example
"There was a multiple collision on the highway."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "multiple"?
Common synonyms include: manifold, allotropic, amount, argument, billion, composite.
How do you use "multiple" in a sentence?
There was a multiple collision on the highway.
How do you pronounce "multiple"?
Pronounced /ˈmʌltɪpəl/.
Etymology
From French multiple, itself from Late Latin multiplus.