all-purpose

adjective

all-pur·​pose ˈȯl-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce all-purpose (audio)
Synonyms of all-purposenext
: suited for many purposes or uses

Synonyms of all-purpose

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Examples of all-purpose in a Sentence

there's nothing wrong with all-purpose flour for baking bread, but flour with more gluten is better
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Big first week from sophomore Aaron McCormick, who scored three touchdowns, including two rushing and one receiving, for 163 all-purpose yards. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026 My colleague Bruce Feldman has been talking up the Wolfpack all offseason, due in large part to stud QB CJ Bailey and RB Duke Scott, who had 947 all-purpose yards as a freshman. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In a medium bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and butter. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Tommy Hosty, a senior all-purpose star, scored two rushing TDs out of the Wildcat formation and set up another TD with an interception for Marist (1-0). — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for all-purpose

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of all-purpose was in 1867

Rhymes for all-purpose

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Browse Nearby Words

All-Pro
all-purpose
all-purpose flour
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Cite this Entry

“All-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-purpose. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

all-purpose

adjective
all-pur·​pose
-ˈpər-pəs
: suitable for many uses
an all-purpose tool
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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