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

One way to keep the color coming is to use an all-purpose fertilizer regularly and mix and match annuals and perennials throughout your beds and containers. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

In the bowl of a food processor, add light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, kosher salt, and cold diced butter. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, McCaffrey nabbed first-team all-purpose honors behind 17 total TDs and 2,126 scrimmage yards. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Regulate body function Oregano oil is an all-purpose regulator that helps the body function properly. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 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