What does sextupling mean?
Sextupling means multiplying something by six or increasing it to six times its former amount, size, value, or number. It may be used transitively, as in “the company sextupled production,” or intransitively, as in “attendance sextupled during the festival.” The word belongs mainly to formal and business or economic contexts, where it often expresses a dramatic increase. It can also describe a proportional rise rather than an absolute quantity: a population that sextuples has become six times as large. Although more conversational alternatives include “multiply by six” and “increase sixfold,” sextupling is useful because it conveys both exact multiplication and the dramatic character of the change. The word derives from the same Latin root as sextet and sextillion, all of which ultimately refer to the number six.
To make or become six times as large, great, numerous, or valuable.
"The charity sextupled the number of families it supports."
Often used in business, economic, demographic, or institutional contexts. It can function transitively or intransitively.
The act of multiplying or increasing something sixfold.
"The sextupling of demand surprised even the company’s executives."
A relatively uncommon nominal use, especially associated with the gerund form.
Its vocabulary makes the arithmetic explicit: to sextuple something is to make it six times as great.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sextupling come from?
The word belongs to a family derived from Latin sextuplus, meaning “sixfold” or “six times as much.” The base sex in these forms ultimately comes from the Latin word for six. Sextuple entered English from Latin and was later used as a verb; its present-participle form, sextupling, follows the same pattern.
Related word forms
How sextupling is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. In general contexts, “multiply by six” or “increase sixfold” is usually clearer and more natural.
Easily confused with sextupling
A sextet is a group of six performers or musicians, whereas sextupling is the act of making or becoming six times as great.