# multiplication

/ˌməɫtəpɫəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /mˌʌltɪplɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/multiplication
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the mathematical process of adding a number to itself a specific number of times. For example, three times four is twelve.

For teachers: the mathematical operation of scaling one number by another. Often represented by the symbols '×' or '·'.

## Examples

- The children are learning multiplication in school.
- The teacher explained that multiplication is essentially a faster way to perform repeated addition.
- Advanced algorithms can perform complex multiplication of large matrices in a fraction of the time required by traditional manual methods.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the mathematical process; can be countable when referring to a specific instance or type of calculation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.