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

An all-purpose spray and a clean microfiber cloth will get the job done quickly. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026

In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026

This all-purpose cleaning spray is made from natural ingredients with a pleasant lemon verbena scent. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026

During his four seasons, Hall has averaged 1,230 all-purpose yards per season. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 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