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

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

Walter Payton becomes the first NFL player to accumulate 20,000 all-purpose yards in the Chicago Bears’ 20-7 victory over the Houston Oilers. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in 1½ cups (187 g) all-purpose flour with a rubber spatula, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl, until no large, dry streaks of flour remain. — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

He was named the Big 12 offensive player of the week after Utah’s win at Iowa State two weeks ago, posting 239 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 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