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.
Using a spatula, stir in baking soda and flour (all-purpose or or coconut flour for a gluten-free version) and mix well. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025 To me, this feels like a game where all-purpose star Hank Beatty will have to make a difference both at receiver and in the punt return game. Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Kelce’s first catch for 9 yards gave him the most all-purpose yards in Chiefs history. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025 These are consistently regarded as some of the best all-purpose wine glasses by professional sippers. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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