# multithreading

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/multithreading
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a computer's ability to run different parts of a single program at the same time. This makes software work faster and more efficiently by doing several tasks at once.

For teachers: the execution of multiple parts of a single process, known as threads, concurrently by a central processing unit. This technique allows for more efficient resource utilisation by overlapping input/output operations with computational tasks.

## Examples

- Modern web browsers use multithreading to load several images at once.
- The video editing software relies on multithreading to render high-definition frames while keeping the user interface responsive.
- Efficient multithreading requires careful synchronisation to prevent race conditions, where two threads attempt to modify the same memory location simultaneously, leading to unpredictable system crashes.

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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.