multifunction

IPA/ˌmʌl.tiˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
IPA/ˌmʌl.tiˈfʌŋk.ʃən/

multifunction — adjective

  • multifunctionpositive
  • more multifunctioncomparative
  • most multifunctionsuperlative

1. describes a device, tool, or piece of equipment that can do more than one job or

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a device, tool, or piece of equipment that can do more than one job or activity — for example, a printer that can also scan and copy documents, or a sofa that turns into a bed.

Example

The hotel office has a multifunction printer that scans, copies, and sends faxes.

multifunction + [device]: lists specific functions

Diego bought a multifunction kitchen tool for chopping vegetables and grinding spices.

Common collocations
  • multifunction device
  • multifunction printer
  • multifunction tool
  • multifunction machine
  • multifunction watch
Synonyms
  • versatile

    broader meaning; applies to people, materials, and skills, not just tools or devices

  • multi-purpose

    interchangeable in most contexts; slightly more common in product descriptions than 'multifunction'

  • all-in-one

    used for a single product that replaces several separate machines, e.g. a printer-scanner-copier

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

multifunction + noun

Usage Note

Multifunction is an attributive adjective — it is used only before a noun (a multifunction device). For predicative use after a linking verb, the longer form 'multifunctional' is preferred.

Common Mistakes

This printer is multifunction.
This is a multifunction printer.
'multifunction' is used before a noun, not after a linking verb like 'is'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three words describe something that can do several things. 'Versatile' is the broadest — it applies to people, materials, and skills, not just tools ('a versatile actor can play many roles'). 'Multi-purpose' is closest to 'multifunction' and is often used for products, rooms, or spaces designed for several uses ('a multi-purpose hall for concerts and sports'). 'All-in-one' is the most specific: it refers to a single product that replaces several separate machines ('an all-in-one printer that also scans and copies'). Choose 'multifunction' for technical or product descriptions of devices; use 'versatile' for a wider range of subjects including people.

versatile ↗multi-purpose ↗all-in-one ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed by combining the prefix 'multi-' (from Latin 'multus', meaning 'many') with the word 'function' (from Latin 'functio', meaning 'performance' or 'execution'). The compound emerged in English in the mid-20th century as technology companies began producing devices that could perform several tasks at once.