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

In a large bowl, stir together all-purpose flour and brown sugar, then use a knife to work in butter until fine crumbs form. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026

Pothos isn't picky about fertilizer; any all-purpose houseplant food will work well. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

Tips For Fertilizing Your Vegetable Garden Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, like 10-10-10. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

Unlike all-purpose flour, bran can absorb two to three times its weight in liquid. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 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