general-purpose

adjective

gen·​er·​al-pur·​pose ˈjen-rəl-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce general-purpose (audio)
ˈje-nə-
Synonyms of general-purposenext
: suitable to be used for two or more basic purposes

Examples of general-purpose in a Sentence

a general-purpose glue for routine household repairs
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.
Unlike many general-purpose humanoid platforms, the Mentee Bot focuses on consistent performance, scalability, and uninterrupted operation in challenging environments such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and logistics hubs. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 There are probably people born in 1945 — the year the first general-purpose electronic computer went into operation — who retired before learning to type. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Soil Rodriguez suggests using a general-purpose potting soil or cactus mix for the string of hearts plant. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026 Their Optimus general-purpose humanoid robot is a prime example of the physical design most of these robots share. Grace Brown, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for general-purpose

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of general-purpose was in 1894

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general-purpose. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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