-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
common multiple
noun
: a multiple of each of two or more numbers or expressions
90 is a common multiple of 6 and 10
Examples of common multiple in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Twins are by far the most common multiples, and most twin pregnancies turn out fine.
—
Anna Nowogrodzki, New York Times, 6 May 2019
Historically, a common multiple was around 10 to 12 times NPS.
—
Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2019
These shapes formed from the paths of a system driven at two frequencies with no common multiple — that is, frequencies whose ratio was an irrational number, like pi or the golden mean.
—
Quanta Magazine, 10 Mar. 2015
Most states share a common multiple-choice section of the bar exam developed by a national organization, but each has the power to set its own cut, or passing score.
—
Sara Randazzo, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1714, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near common multiple
Cite this Entry
“Common multiple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20multiple. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
common multiple
noun
: a number that is a multiple of each of two or more numbers
20 is a common multiple of 5 and 4
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share