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.
The first wave, then, won't be general-purpose robots doing everything. Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Two Chinese robotics firms are pursuing radically different paths to zero-shot learning and general-purpose robot intelligence. Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026 Apply a balanced, general-purpose flower fertilizer following the package directions. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026 Pessimists tick off the numerous challenges facing the makers of general-purpose humanoids, while more specific robot arms, hands, and delivery platforms are already doing more specialized, limited tasks in factories and distribution centers around the world. Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general-purpose. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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