multi-tool

noun

mul·​ti-tool ˈməl-tē-ˌtül 

-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

The waterproof bag includes food, water, blankets, masks, a hand crank radio, a first aid kit, hand warmers, a multi-tool, emergency gloves (reinforced and strong), wet wipes, glow sticks, tissues, biohazard bags, ponchos, and more. —Meredith Woerner, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024

Cyclists who don’t mind getting their hands dirty carry a spare tube, a pump, tire levers and a multi-tool to fix the flat on the spot. —Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Officers found a metal multi-tool and pair of gloves along the path from the bridge’s south end to where they were stopped. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2024

Leatherman multi-tool Ali Smith, founder and cea of Rebarkable, says her Leatherman multi-tool (these start at $40), which includes a knife, scissors, screwdriver, tweezers, nail file and more, keeps her day on track. —Laura Daily, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024

In addition to a drill/driver, this kit also comes with an impact driver, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, an oscillating multi-tool, and a powerful LED work light to brightly illuminate your workspace. —Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024

The automatic curlers and brush attach to the dyer, completing this multi-tool set that brings the salon to you. Find it on Amazon These Trending Ugg Slip-Ons Are Beyond Comfortable Staying warm and cozy in the winter is an utmost priority. —Talia Connor, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2023

This Molle Zinger is a retractable lanyard that attaches perfectly to the strap grids on the Hopper cooler series and holds a bottle opener (included), multi-tool, or anything that can fit on a key ring. —Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023

The six-function multi-tool also works as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench and bottle opener. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above