multitasking

noun

mul·​ti·​task·​ing ˈməl-tē-ˌta-skiŋ How to pronounce multitasking (audio)
-ˌtī-
often attributive
1
: the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer
2
: the performance of multiple tasks at one time
The job requires a person who is good at multitasking.
multitask intransitive verb

Examples of multitasking in a Sentence

The job requires someone who is good at multitasking.
Recent Examples on the Web This was a stark contrast to the multitasking that often hampers our focus, creativity, and well-being. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 Performing tasks and multitasking are made easy by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. & Karl Klockars, PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024 Despite advanced capabilities like 32-bit processing and multitasking, OS/2 later competed with and struggled to gain traction against Windows. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2024 Although the psychological effects of this new format are understudied, scientists say that previous research on social media and multitasking can offer some clues. Anna Mattson, Scientific American, 10 Jan. 2024 The things that Samsung was already doing better — a lighter device, robust multitasking features — are improving even further. Allison Johnson, The Verge, 26 July 2023 Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Purpose Balm Housed in a chic, logoed carrying case, the multitasking balm treats dry areas on the lips, body, and hands. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2023 These tasks are hard on their own and even more challenging to do at once, but this forced multitasking is actually designed to sharpen attention. Celia Ford, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2023 Such multitasking is necessary as the search for childcare – already difficult before the pandemic - became harder during the health crisis and has yet to recover, Kramer said. Charisse Jones, USA TODAY, 15 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multitasking.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multitasking was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near multitasking

Cite this Entry

“Multitasking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitasking. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

multitasking

noun
mul·​ti·​task·​ing -ˌtas-kiŋ How to pronounce multitasking (audio)
: the performance of multiple tasks at one time especially by a computer
multitask verb

More from Merriam-Webster on multitasking

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