- 1[intransitive, transitive] to add a number to itself a particular number of times The children are already learning to multiply and divide. multiply A by B 2 multiplied by 4 is/equals/makes 8 (2×4 = 8) multiply A and B (together) Multiply 2 and 6 together and you get 12.
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- 2[intransitive, transitive] to increase or make something increase very much in number or amount Our problems have multiplied since last year. multiply something Cigarette smoking multiplies the risk of cancer.
- 3[intransitive, transitive] (biology) to reproduce in large numbers; to make something do this Rabbits multiply rapidly. multiply something It is possible to multiply these bacteria in the laboratory.
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NAmE//ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they multiply he / she / it multiplies
past simple multiplied
-ing form multiplying
Check pronunciation: multiply