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 Attractor dynamics give the brain an assist with working memory by taking sensory input, such as color, and categorizing it. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2023 Avoiding being eaten correlated with high performance on two of the tests: the maze navigation and the multiple-exit test, which challenged visual working memory. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2023 New experimental techniques are showing that in addition to controlling movement, the cerebellum regulates complex behaviors, social interactions, aggression, working memory, learning, emotion and more. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 Aside from time, the other thing that kills working memory is distractions. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2023 The findings suggest that while ticker-tape synesthetes excel in certain cognitive tasks related to orthographic working memory, the interplay of these sensory experiences can introduce unique challenges. Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 People can hold only a certain number of objects in their awareness, or working memory, at one time. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 9 Nov. 2023 The authors identified that children with hearing loss can struggle with auditory attention and auditory working memory. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 July 2023 Learning math promotes working memory, improves attention, and increases other basic cognitive skills. Parents Editors, Parents, 23 Aug. 2023

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 28 Mar. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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