# multiplying

/ˈməɫtəˌpɫaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈʌltɪplˌaɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/multiplying
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

increasing a number by adding it to itself a certain number of times. It also means growing quickly in number or amount.

For teachers: performing the mathematical operation of multiplication; increasing significantly in number or quantity through reproduction or accumulation. Present participle of 'multiply'.

## Examples

- The children are practicing multiplying small numbers in class today.
- Rabbits are famous for multiplying quickly when they have enough food and no natural predators.
- By multiplying the length of the base by the height of the triangle and dividing by two, the students calculated the total area of the geometric shape.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The population is multiplying itself" but "The population is multiplying" — When describing growth in numbers, 'multiply' is usually intransitive and does not need a reflexive pronoun.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive when used in mathematics and often intransitive when describing biological growth.

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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.