working memory

noun

: memory that involves storing, focusing attention on, and manipulating information for a relatively short period of time (such as a few seconds)

A simple activity involving working memory is the carry-over operation in mental arithmetic, which requires temporarily storing a string of numbers and holding the sum of one addition in mind while calculating the next.

—Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic

Your short-term memory might help you to remember what someone has just said to you, for example, but your working memory would allow you to recite it to them backwards or pick out the first letter of each word.

—Jonathan K. Foster

compare long-term memory, short-term memory

Examples of working memory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The study also found that self-control and working memory played a key role in developing patience. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

For example, offloading memory tasks to apps or digital planners frees up your brain’s working memory for higher-order thinking. —Raquel Gomes, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

And, during flight, the crew had experienced temporary cognitive declines that affected their attention and their working memory. —Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Among other things, the professional players demonstrated a better working memory and showed better performance in planning and problem-solving. —Christiane Gelitz, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for working memory

• emery

Medical Definition

working memory

noun

: memory that involves storing, focusing attention on, and manipulating information for a relatively short period of time (such as a few seconds)

A simple activity involving working memory is the carry-over operation in mental arithmetic, which requires temporarily storing a string of numbers and holding the sum of one addition in mind while calculating the next.

—Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic, Scientific American

Your short-term memory might help you to remember what someone has just said to you, for example, but your working memory would allow you to recite it to them backwards or pick out the first letter of each word.

—Jonathan K. Foster, New Scientist