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

Selective luddites know there’s no reward without effort Smartphones are a multi-tool. — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

This 10-in-1 multi-tool will quickly become a go-to option for any number of jobs around the house, making use of the nail setter to hang pictures, the flathead screwdriver to drive or remove screws, and the caulk cleaner to tidy up caulk lines. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 June 2026

From practical gadgets like keychain multi-tools and weekender bags to elevated picks such as cologne, wallets, and watches, there’s something here for every type of guy. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 June 2026

Now, the enthusiast multi-tool computer is back for round two with the Flipper One. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for multi-tool

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule