multiplier

noun

mul·​ti·​pli·​er ˈməl-tə-ˌplī(-ə)r How to pronounce multiplier (audio)
: one that multiplies: such as
a
: a number by which another number is multiplied
b
: an instrument or device for multiplying or intensifying some effect
c
: a machine, mechanism, or circuit that multiplies numbers

Examples of multiplier in a Sentence

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.
In addition, autonomous vehicles can act as force multipliers, covering larger areas than current forces can. — David Szondy august 27, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026 Advertisement What these capitals have built is a series of bilateral relationships, some stronger than others, that function as force multipliers. — Ariane Tabatabai, Time, 4 Aug. 2026 This reframes Florida’s position in fifth place, where its unusually large elderly driving population likely acts as a multiplier, helping contextualize why Texas and California remain in the upper tier. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Ecosystem players should function as force multipliers so that speed can translate into certified, scalable output, not just faster prototypes. — Jean-Louis Rassineux, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for multiplier

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multiplier was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing multiplier

Rhymes for multiplier

See All Rhymes for multiplier

Browse Nearby Words

multiplicity
multiplier
multiplier effect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiplier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiplier. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

multiplier

noun
mul·​ti·​pli·​er ˈməl-tə-ˌplī(-ə)r How to pronounce multiplier (audio)
1
: one that multiplies
2
: a number by which another number is multiplied

More from Merriam-Webster on multiplier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about multiplier

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All