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

Electronics The problem with cleaning electronics with an all-purpose cleaner largely comes down to moisture. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 July 2026

Baume De Rose is an all-purpose balm that’s become a cult favorite, often referred to as the Rolls Royce of lip balms among beauty enthusiasts with over one million sold and continues to be a top seller. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

Recipe information Mix 2 large eggs, beaten to blend, 3 large egg yolks, beaten to blend, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 July 2026

Supplement poor-draining soil with an all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks. — The Spruce, 6 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