multiplication

noun

mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌməl-tə-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce multiplication (audio)
1
: the act or process of multiplying : the state of being multiplied
2
a
: a mathematical operation that at its simplest is an abbreviated process of adding an integer to zero a specified number of times and that is extended to other numbers in accordance with laws that are valid for integers
b
: any of various mathematical operations that are analogous in some way to multiplication of the real numbers but are defined for other or larger sets of elements (such as complex numbers, vectors, matrices, or functions)

Examples of multiplication in a Sentence

Students are learning multiplication and division. a disease causing uncontrolled multiplication of cells an uncontrolled multiplication of cells
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to Efficient Computer, the E1 consumes less energy than two competing ARM processors at three common tasks: matrix multiplication for machine learning, the fast Fourier transform, and convolution for computer vision. IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025 Already, AIs can optimize chip design and matrix multiplication and write over 30% of new code at Microsoft and Google. Jason Hausenloy, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025 Small teams with multiplication systems beat big teams every time. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 The same keyspace multiplication factor applies to the introduction of mixed character classes. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiplication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English multiplicacioun, from Anglo-French multiplicacion, from Latin multiplication-, multiplicatio, from multiplicare to multiply

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multiplication was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiplication. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

multiplication

noun
mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌməl-tə-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce multiplication (audio)
1
: the act or process of multiplying
2
: a mathematical operation that takes two numbers and gives an answer equal to the sum of a column containing one of the numbers repeated the number of times of the other number
the multiplication of 8 and 3 is the same as the sum of 8+8+8

More from Merriam-Webster on multiplication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!