dual-purpose

adjective

du·​al-purpose ˈdü-əl-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce dual-purpose (audio)
 also  ˈdyü-
: having breed characteristics that serve two purposes
dual-purpose cattle that supply milk and meat

Examples of dual-purpose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, air district officials noted that heat pumps are dual-purpose appliances providing heating and cooling that can replace furnaces and air conditioning. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 We were blown away by this dual-purpose outdoor bench that’s 60 percent off right now at Wayfair. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 May 2025 These dual-purpose climate solutions are redefining land use and opening new opportunities for corporate sustainability investments. Jamie Houston, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The best part is that this dual-purpose travel accessory is half off at Amazon right now. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025 This dual-purpose strategy enhances their legacy and contributes to a more sustainable future. Paul Westall, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 China's dual-purpose research, which has potential applications for military development, has raised concerns in the U.S. as the geopolitical competition between the two countries intensified. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 For 40 years, Aranui Cruises has sailed several generations of its dual-purpose ship that takes about 200 passengers from Tahiti, through the Tuamotus, and on to the six inhabited islands of the Marquesas. Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 24 Mar. 2025 With stowaway straps, this dual-purpose duffel doubles as a backpack, and the main compartment is lockable to prevent in-flight theft. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dual-purpose was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Dual-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dual-purpose. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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