multipurpose

adjective

mul·​ti·​pur·​pose ˌməl-tē-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce multipurpose (audio)
-ˌtī-
: serving or able to serve more than one purpose
a multipurpose tool
multipurpose rooms
a multi-purpose cleaner

Examples of multipurpose 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.
But the santoku itself was a multipurpose knife designed after three more traditional knife styles—one of which was the nakiri, a short cleaver-style knife used for chopping vegetables. Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2025 The seven-level, multipurpose complex will reshape the city’s theater district and feature a 2,000-capacity performance venue, recital hall, music academy, office space, rooftop club, and Detroit welcome center. Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 This 65-mile multipurpose path runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, but the most scenic portion is an 11-mile stretch between downtown Tarpon Springs and Dunedin. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 July 2025 And the multipurpose rooms could be used for community events like birthday parties, Whittaker said. Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for multipurpose

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multipurpose was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Multipurpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multipurpose. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

multipurpose

adjective
mul·​ti·​pur·​pose
ˌməl-ti-ˈpər-pəs,
-ˌtī-
: having more than one use
multipurpose furniture

More from Merriam-Webster on multipurpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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