How to pronounce multiply
Say it like MUHL-tuh-ply. Multiply has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce multiply. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUHL
- tuh
- ply
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Multiply pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- plyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of multiply
American and British speakers say multiply in essentially the same way: /ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ/ in the US and /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: MUHL-tih-ply.
What does multiply mean?
- combine by multiplication“multiply 10 by 15”
- combine or increase by multiplication“He managed to multiply his profits”
- have young (animals) or reproduce (organisms)“pandas rarely breed in captivity”
- in several ways; in a multiple manner“they were multiply checked for errors”
Where does multiply come from?
The noun presumably derives from the verb.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying multiply
How do you pronounce multiply?
Say MUHL-tuh-ply. The American pronunciation is /ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in multiply?
Multiply has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHL). Broken into parts: MUHL · tuh · ply.
Do Americans and Brits say multiply the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ/ and the British form is /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.