general-purpose

adjective

gen·er·al-pur·pose ˈjen-rəl-ˈpər-pəs

ˈje-nə-

Synonyms of general-purpose next

: 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 The Galaxy Watch 7 is a much more affordable, general-purpose smartwatch that can handle most workouts and normal day-to-day use. —

PCMAG, 10 July 2024 Sevin dust works well on most chewing insects, but so will many other general-purpose insecticides. —

Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2024 One of the primary contaminants is trichloroethylene, or TCE, formerly used as a general-purpose solvent and degreaser. —

Sarah Lapidus, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024 One of the primary contaminants is trichloroethylene, or TCE, which was formerly used as a general-purpose solvent and degreaser. —

Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for general-purpose

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'general-purpose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of general-purpose was in 1894

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general-purpose. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

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