Letters and spelling

Words that start with multi

This list gathers words that begin with the prefix multi, which comes from Latin and means many or multiple. It suits students learning how prefixes change word meaning, vocabulary builders studying word roots, and anyone curious how one prefix can attach to so many different everyday and technical words.

25 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
multitaskverbTo perform two or more tasks at the same time or switch quickly between them.She can multitask by answering emails while listening to a conference call.
multiplyverbTo increase greatly in number or amount, or to combine numbers through multiplication.Rabbits multiply quickly, so a small population can grow within a single season.
multiculturaladjectiveIncluding or relating to people of several different cultures within one society or group.The city's multicultural festival featured food, music, and dance from over thirty countries.
multimediaadjectiveUsing or combining several forms of communication, such as text, images, sound, and video, together.The lesson used a multimedia presentation with video clips, audio, and interactive slides.
multinationaladjectiveOperating in or involving several countries, especially of a large business.The multinational corporation runs factories on four continents.
multitudenounA very large number of people or things.A multitude of stars filled the clear night sky over the desert.
multiplexnounA large cinema complex containing several separate screens under one roof.We watched three different trailers before our film started at the multiplex.
multivitaminnounA tablet or capsule containing a combination of several vitamins and minerals.He takes a multivitamin every morning with breakfast.
multicoloradjectiveHaving or displaying many different colors.The market stall sold multicolor scarves in bold patterns from every region.
multipurposeadjectiveAble to be used for several different purposes.The multipurpose room serves as a gym, auditorium, and lunchroom depending on the day.
multilingualadjectiveAble to speak or write in several languages, or involving several languages.She grew up multilingual, switching easily between Spanish, French, and English at home.
multilateraladjectiveInvolving three or more parties or nations, especially in an agreement or negotiation.The countries signed a multilateral trade agreement covering tariffs and labor standards.
multistoryadjectiveHaving several floors or stories, especially of a building.The multistory parking garage can hold over a thousand cars.
multiplayeradjectiveDesigned to be played by more than one person at the same time, especially in video games.The new game features a multiplayer mode where friends can compete online.
multifacetedadjectiveHaving many different aspects, parts, or sides to a character, issue, or subject.Her multifaceted career spans acting, directing, and writing for television.
multidimensionaladjectiveHaving several distinct aspects, layers, or dimensions rather than a single simple one.The novel presents a multidimensional villain whose motives shift throughout the story.
multibillionadjectiveAmounting to several billion units, especially of money.The company signed a multibillion-dollar deal to build the new factory overseas.
multifunctionaladjectiveAble to perform several different functions or serve several purposes.The kitchen gadget is multifunctional, working as a peeler, grater, and slicer.
multistageadjectiveConsisting of or occurring in several separate stages or phases.The rocket used a multistage design, dropping empty fuel sections as it climbed.
multiethnicadjectiveMade up of people from several different ethnic groups.New York is one of the most multiethnic cities in the world.
multidisciplinaryadjectiveCombining or involving several academic disciplines or fields of expertise.The research team was multidisciplinary, drawing on biology, engineering, and computer science.
multiformadjectiveExisting in many different shapes, kinds, or forms.The god was worshipped in multiform guises across the ancient Mediterranean.
multichanneladjectiveInvolving or using several different channels, methods, or platforms at the same time.The retailer adopted a multichannel strategy, selling through its website, app, and physical stores.
multimillionadjectiveAmounting to several million, especially of dollars or another currency.The company signed a multimillion contract to supply parts for the new aircraft.
multitaskingnounThe practice of handling several tasks at the same time or in quick succession.His job requires constant multitasking between phone calls, emails, and walk-in customers.

What the prefix multi means

The prefix multi comes from the Latin word for many, and it attaches to a base word to show that something happens or exists in multiple forms or numbers. Multiply means to increase in number, multicolor describes something with many colors, and multilingual describes someone who speaks many languages. Once a learner knows this pattern, unfamiliar multi- words become easier to guess.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix multi mean?

Multi comes from Latin and means many or multiple, and it appears at the start of words like multitask and multicultural.

What is an example of a multi word?

Multicultural, meaning relating to or made up of many cultures, is a common example of a word built on the multi- prefix.