multi-tool

noun

mul·​ti-tool ˈməl-tē-ˌtül How to pronounce multi-tool (audio)
-ˌtī-
variants or less commonly multitool
: a compact, portable device that has blades and extensions for many tools (such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, openers, and saw blades) which can be folded into the handle
… it's good to know you have tools in the car to get you out of a pickle that your multi-tool can't …Jennifer Sherry
To my mind, the coolest feature is the multi-tool, which sports a standard blade, serrated blade, screwdriver and bottle opener.Doug Aamoth
When a multitool is all that stands between you and, say, a ten-mile walk home, you develop a certain loyalty to the most reliable one.National Geographic Adventure

Examples of multi-tool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vargas undoubtedly has the highest upside, a true multi-tool midfielder whose awareness during a match exceeds expectations for a 19-year-old. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Thousands of knives and multi-tools confiscated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports across the United States are now available for public auction. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 Mims has become an integral part of the offense as a deep-threat receiver and multi-tool weapon out of the backfield. Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 Modular extras include a multi-tool card ($49), a cash clip backplate ($29), and a coin tray ($29). Simon Hill, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024 Rugged outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate this survival kit with everything from first aid supplies to multi-tools, discounted to just $50. Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024 At a minimum, keep a multi-tool, a few wrenches, and a pair of pliers in it. Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024 Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool Get 20% off this versatile multi-tool for the serious adventure-seeker who needs to be ready for anything. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 Our Gear team’s testers haven’t been too impressed with multi-tools for screwdrivers this small. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multi-tool was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Multi-tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multi-tool. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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