multipurpose
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of multipurpose
Explanation
Anything multipurpose can be used in many different ways. A multipurpose tool might include a screwdriver, flashlight, and bottle opener all in one. At your school, a multipurpose room could provide space for a music class, an after-school art club, and an area for the debate club's meetings. If you're prescribed a multipurpose medication, it might take care of your headache while also easing your stiff elbow and making you feel more energetic. Multipurpose combines multi, "many or much," from the Latin multus, with purpose, "intention," from the Old French porpos, "aim."
Vocabulary lists containing multipurpose
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: multi-
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: multi
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The co-founder of Knighthead Capital Management also spoke extensively about Birmingham's Sport Quarter development plans, which include a proposed multipurpose 62,000-seat stadium.
From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025
AEG expanded its U.S. concert touring empire by building large multipurpose arenas in Las Vegas and Kansas City.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025
Accusations of AI use are concerning, sure, but couldn’t they also result in a grammatical Streisand effect of people learning about or becoming reacquainted with the multipurpose mark?
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2025
In Philadelphia, there’s talk of turning closed schools into multipurpose community hubs that will offer health clinics, food co-ops, even housing for teachers.
From Slate • Nov. 26, 2024
There’s a spaceship in my garage, and I own a multipurpose ray gun disguised as a laser pointer.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
