multiple
MUHL-tih-puhl
Multiple (adj) means More than one; several. Example: “The form requires multiple signatures before the council can approve it.”
adj
1
More than one; several.
"The form requires multiple signatures before the council can approve it."
"She was treated for multiple injuries after the crash."
"The house has been sold multiple times over the decades."
noun
1
A number that can be divided evenly by another number.
"Any multiple of ten ends in a zero."
"Try listing the first five multiples of seven in your notebook."
"Twelve is a multiple of four."
How to use multiple
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving more than one of something, or (in maths) a number produced by multiplying.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "multiply" (the verb) — "multiple" is the adjective/noun form.
Common pairings
multiple times
multiple choice
a multiple of
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Word forms
- Plural
- multiples
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The form requires _____ signatures before the council can approve it.
Etymology
From French multiple, from Late Latin multiplus.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for multiple
See all rhymes for multiple →Frequently asked questions
What does “multiple” mean?
The word “multiple” means more than one; several. In plain terms, involving more than one of something, or (in maths) a number produced by multiplying.
How do you pronounce “multiple”?
“Multiple” is pronounced MUHL-tih-puhl (/ˈmʌltɪpəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “multiple” in a sentence?
Here is “multiple” used in a sentence: “She was treated for multiple injuries after the crash.”
What is another word for “multiple”?
Words with a similar meaning to “multiple” include manifold, many, morefold, several and plural.
What is the opposite of “multiple”?
The opposite of “multiple” — its antonyms — is paucal.
What part of speech is “multiple”?
Depending on how it is used, “multiple” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “multiple” come from?
The word “multiple” comes from Late Latin. From French multiple, from Late Latin multiplus.
Is “multiple” a common word?
“Multiple” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between multiple and several?
'Multiple' simply means more than one — two or more, with no upper sense. 'Several' means more than two or three but not many, an indefinite middle amount. So 'multiple attempts' could be just two, while 'several attempts' suggests a handful. Multiple stresses plurality; several hints at a moderate number.
How many is 'multiple'?
Strictly, multiple means any number greater than one, so two already qualifies. In everyday use, though, people often reach for it when they mean a fair few, not merely two. The word states only that more than one is involved, without fixing exactly how many.
What is the opposite of multiple?
The opposite is single — just one of something. Words like 'sole,' 'individual,' 'lone,' and 'solitary' also stand against it, each stressing oneness. Where 'multiple' points to two or more, these point to a single instance standing on its own, with nothing else alongside it.
Can 'multiple' be a noun?
Yes. In mathematics, a multiple is a number you get by multiplying one number by a whole number — 12 is a multiple of 3. The word also appears as a noun in finance and film ('a multiple of earnings'). As an adjective, though, it just means more than one.
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