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.
Sukang maasim is an all-purpose white (clear) cane vinegar, while sukang Iloko is a darker variety hailing from the country’s north, often made from clay-aged sugarcane wine (basi). — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 These days, the interjection does a lot of work online as an all-purpose signifier of derogation. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 As a junior, Mallard had 1,424 all-purpose yards — 396 rushing, 657 receiving and 371 returning — with multiple touchdowns in each category. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Spread the all-purpose flour and sooji on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate and mix to combine. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

all-purpose

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