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

With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping. — New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

The home runs gave Crow-Armstrong a 30-homer, 30-steal season to put him among the greatest multi-tool players in big-league history. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

The list includes extra water, extra food, extra clothing or layers, a headlamp, sun protection, emergency shelter, navigation tools with extra batteries, a knife or multi-tool with a basic repair kit, a fire starter, and a first-aid kit. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

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