be-all and end-all

noun \ ˈbē-ˌȯl-ən(d)-ˈend-ˌȯl \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of be-all and end-all

1 : prime cause : essential element

2 : totality 1

See be-all and end-all defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of be-all and end-all from the Web

But even those who consider Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy the be-all and end-all can appreciate the latest adaption of Jane Austen's famed love story.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "New Pride and Prejudice Adaptation Reimagines Elizabeth Bennet as a Texas Deb," 24 Apr. 2017
The big man was still the be-all and end-all in the NBA then, both for offense around the rim and defense of it.

— bill livingston, cleveland.com, "LeBron James and another Dunk of Never-ending Glory: Bill Livingston (photos, video)," 16 July 2017
Because according to Byrdie, this concealer is Pinterest's most popular be-all and end-all.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "The Most Popular Concealer on Pinterest Is a $5 Drugstore Steal," 25 Oct. 2017
But at the same time, prices and efficiency shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of governmental policy.

— isaac chotiner, Slate Magazine, "Why it’s time to panic about what Google and Facebook are doing to our lives.," 5 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'be-all and end-all.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.