multi-tool

noun

mul·​ti-tool ˈməl-tē-ˌtül How to pronounce multi-tool (audio)
-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
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.
Many of them work as a multi-tool with the ability to vacuum and blow. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 June 2025 The set comes with a hammer drill and driver, an impact driver, a reciprocating saw, a grinder and multi-tool, a circular saw, a work light, an impact wrench and a few batteries. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025 The storied brand continues to design and manufacture knives and multi-tools in Portland, Oregon, and every Leatherman comes with a 25-year limited warranty. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 14 May 2025 The kit includes a drill and impact driver, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw and a multi-tool, all complete with a large carrying case to hold them all. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025 And for all the other father figures in your life—like your grandpa, stepdad, and brothers—multi-tool gadgets and cozy robes never fail to impress. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 May 2025 This Monterra survival set has 265 essential items, including first aid items, a carrying pack, a lantern, a multi-tool and much more! Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Jacob Wilson’s Future Wilson should join multi-tool outfielder Lawrence Butler and a few others leading the club's resurgence. Chuck Murr, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Vargas undoubtedly has the highest upside, a true multi-tool midfielder whose awareness during a match exceeds expectations for a 19-year-old. Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of multi-tool was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Multi-tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multi-tool. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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