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 At that time, the cost of the ADA-accessible, multipurpose trail was not to exceed $4.25 million. Ed Wittenberg, cleveland, 18 Sep. 2023 Include toiletry items, backup eyeglasses, bug spray, matches, a pocketknife or multipurpose tool, and a first-aid kit including any prescription drugs. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023 Delicate enough for lacy pancakes but sturdy enough to flip a burger, a fish spatula is a multipurpose kitchen tool that every home cook needs. Mackenzie Chung Fegan, Bon Appétit, 10 July 2023 Its multipurpose design functions as an ottoman, bench, and storage unit all in one. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2023 The multipurpose space—there are several sitting areas and a large dining space—is plenty large enough to, well, roller skate in. Mark David, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2023 One houses the primary suite; the other accommodates a kitchen and pantry, a guest bedroom and bath, and a multipurpose living room (sala in Greek) that doubles as an indoor dining room during winter months. Robert Rufino, ELLE Decor, 4 Sep. 2023 The interior includes a basement and multipurpose entertainment center equipped with a kitchenette. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2023 The other, the multipurpose Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) continued to win orders one or two at a time, but that wasn’t enough work to sustain full production at the shipyard. Lawrence Specker | Lspecker@al.com, al, 31 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multipurpose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multipurpose was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near multipurpose

Cite this Entry

“Multipurpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multipurpose. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!