catchall

noun, often attributive

catch·all | \ ˈkach-ˌȯl

How to pronounce catchall (audio)

, ˈkech- \

Definition of catchall

: something that holds or includes odds and ends or a wide variety of things a catchall tray dyspepsia is a catchall term for stomach discomfort

Examples of catchall in a Sentence

They used the drawer as a catchall for kitchen items. “The arts” is a catchall for a variety of activities from painting to music.

Recent Examples on the Web In this environment, Fox News is no longer a catchall for Republican voters. — David M. Drucker, Washington Examiner, "'Can't ignore Newsmax or OAN': GOP candidates forced to rethink TV strategy," 21 Mar. 2021 The review becomes a catchall for every single critical sin that could potentially be committed. — Nate Jones, Vulture, "Talking to the Film Critic Who (Maybe) Inspired Malcolm & Marie," 25 Feb. 2021 Wild-type virus is the catchall name for virus generally circulating that is not changed enough to be designated a variant. — Maggie Fox, CNN, "Studies suggest vaccinated people protected from new Covid-19 variants," 20 Jan. 2021 For months, Republicans have used last summer’s protests as a political catchall, highlighting isolated instances of property destruction and calls to defund the police to motivate their base in November. — New York Times, "How Republicans Are Warping Reality Around the Capitol Attack," 17 Jan. 2021 Clutter can accumulate quickly near the home entry, so consider adding a catchall tray or dish to corral keys, wallets and mail. — Washington Post, "No mudroom, no problem: Solutions for a functional and beautiful home entry," 14 Jan. 2021 First coined by clinical psychologist John Welwood in the early 1980s, spiritual bypassing describes the act of using explanations of enlightenment or catchall sentiments to avoid complex psychological issues. — Sophia Li, Vogue, "Are You Spiritually Bypassing 2020?," 30 Dec. 2020 In an ideal situation, the guest bedroom should not be your catchall room. — Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service, Star Tribune, "10 tips to enhance a guest room," 18 Dec. 2020 How stunning is this concrete hands catchall holder? — Kiana Murden, CNN Underscored, "42 gifts that support BIPOC-owned brands this holiday season," 16 Dec. 2020

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

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Dictionary Entries near catchall

catch-as-catch-can

Statistics for catchall

Last Updated

9 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Catchall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catchall. Accessed 10 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for catchall

catchall

noun

English Language Learners Definition of catchall

: something that holds or includes many different things

See the full definition for catchall in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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