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

Bread flour can be replaced with all-purpose flour with a higher protein content, such as King Arthur Baking brand. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Add the all-purpose flour and the almond flour; beat just until blended. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026

Well-draining soil like an all-purpose potting mix allows excess water to escape, while poor or dense soil can retain moisture longer. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

Atop the parking garage is a full-sized, all-purpose field where the local teams have access to an Astroturf gem. —Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 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