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 Participants whose pupils dilated more performed better on the task—suggesting pupil size does have a connection with working memory. Kate Graham-Shaw, Scientific American, 3 July 2024 For instance, a person with intellectual disability might miss court dates due to struggles with working memory, leading a judge to order pretrial incarceration. Katie Kronick, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2024 Life Chimps beat humans in these cognitive tests Their working memory outclasses ours. Big Think, 24 June 2024 Positive health impacts include reducing cortisol levels, relieving anxiety and depression and improving cognition allowing for better concentration and working memory. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for working memory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'working memory.' 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

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working memory was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near working memory

Cite this Entry

“Working memory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working%20memory. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

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
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