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

Ekster also offers a ton of optional add-ons, including a tracker card and a multi-tool. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool Get 20% off this versatile multi-tool for the serious adventure-seeker who needs to be ready for anything. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Cordless multi-tool: on sale for $109.42 Original price: $222.80 A cordless multi-tool can be used for cutting, sanding, scraping, grout removal and more. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 4 Oct. 2024

Argon One distinguishes itself through its unique multi-tool capabilities, which include laser engraving, milling, and 3D printing—skills that other humanoids don’t currently offer. —Amir Husain, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Use the wand to reach window sills and curtains, and opt for the pet multi-tool to lift pet hair from stairs and upholstered furniture. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Luckily, this multi-tool carabiner can do just about anything and easily clips on to your backpack for quick access. —Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024

These products include anything from minimalist card wallets to simplify your pocket, multi-tool pens and notebooks, sunglasses and accessories, or even extra comfy super-functional clothes. —Jon Youshaei, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Gerber Gear Dime 12-in-1 Mini Multi-tool This 12-in-1 multi-tool is compact and versatile, featuring pliers, wire cutters, a bottle opener, a knife, scissors, and more. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above