working memory

noun

: memory that involves storing, focusing attention on, and manipulating information for a relatively short period of time (such as a few seconds)

A simple activity involving working memory is the carry-over operation in mental arithmetic, which requires temporarily storing a string of numbers and holding the sum of one addition in mind while calculating the next.

—Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic

Your short-term memory might help you to remember what someone has just said to you, for example, but your working memory would allow you to recite it to them backwards or pick out the first letter of each word.

—Jonathan K. Foster

compare long-term memory, short-term memory

Examples of working memory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among other things, the professional players demonstrated a better working memory and showed better performance in planning and problem-solving. —Christiane Gelitz, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025

What This Means For You Frequent cannabis use may impair working memory. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Defined as the mind’s short-term storage system, the working memory allows people to manage and manipulate information temporarily. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025

So what’s the answer to Boyd’s $64 question: Will regular cannabis users get their working memory back? —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

working memory

noun

: memory that involves storing, focusing attention on, and manipulating information for a relatively short period of time (such as a few seconds)

A simple activity involving working memory is the carry-over operation in mental arithmetic, which requires temporarily storing a string of numbers and holding the sum of one addition in mind while calculating the next.

—Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic, Scientific American

Your short-term memory might help you to remember what someone has just said to you, for example, but your working memory would allow you to recite it to them backwards or pick out the first letter of each word.

—Jonathan K. Foster, New Scientist