all-purpose

adjective

all-pur·​pose ˈȯl-ˈpər-pəs 

: suited for many purposes or uses

Synonyms of all-purpose

• unlimited
• general
• general-purpose

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

Smith said his homemade all-purpose blend also goes into the ground beef for the burgers and is used to marinate their chicken. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

The notion of testosterone as an all-purpose elixir for strength and vitality is not supported by the science. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026

For example, an organic all-purpose fertilizer bag may say 5-2-2, whereas a synthetic fertilizer may say 24-8-16. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Following in the footsteps of the grocer’s popular Bergamot & Vetiver collection, the new Neroli Blossom products include a room spray, all-purpose cleaner, and hand soap. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-purpose

• multipurpose
• purpose

Kids Definition

all-purpose

adjective

all-pur·​pose

-ˈpər-pəs

: suitable for many uses

an all-purpose tool