all-purpose

adjective

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

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.
Since the sauce calls for almond flour instead of all-purpose, Goldie Hawn’s stroganoff is naturally GF. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025 On the one hand, China is the all-purpose bogeyman that should remove the shackles of regulation. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025 Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner and can cut through soap scum and dirt and fight stains. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 July 2025 Amazon $496 Walmart $400 Best Buy $400 Williams-Sonoma Breville makes the best all-purpose ovens in the game. Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“All-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-purpose. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

all-purpose

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

More from Merriam-Webster on all-purpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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