1
: designed to conform to all shapes and sizes
one-size-fits-all T-shirts
One-size-fits-all gloves by Nolan Glove have gripper palms that are perfect for holding on …Andrea Skinner
If you are small of ear, you may find that those one-size-fits-all earbuds simply don't fit.David Pogue
2
: covering, used for, or applying to all cases or individuals without modification
This past spring, The New England Journal of Medicine published a series of articles by well-known geneticists who expressed frustration and disappointment at their inability to hit upon a one-size-fits-all genetic explanation for common diseases, which had seemed within their grasp only a few years ago.Matthew Stremlau
Levine says the old, one-size-fits-all approach allows too many youngsters to fall through the cracks—kids who may be perfectly intelligent but struggle in school.Barbara Kantrowitz et al.
Skeptics worry that patients are too varied and doctors too accustomed to providing unlimited care for a one-size-fits-all payment policy.Catherine Arnst
Where once there was the one-size-fits-all fixed-rate 30-year mortgage, now there is a bewildering assortment of home-financing arrangements …Consumer Reports

Examples of one-size-fits-all in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for a single best food, because everyone is different, nutrition experts stress. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Despite this, however, fiber isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for people experiencing side effects from Ozempic or Wegovy, said Steven Batash, MD, gastroenterologist and founder of the Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center. Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024 But Take Note The sizing is one-size-fits-all, only fitting waists from 29 to 46 inches, so those outside of these sizes are out of luck. Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 Even with different models, experts acknowledge that there will never be a universal, one-size-fits-all listing of the various stages. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 But Fernandes thinks that what is—or rather, isn’t—suitable behavior from bosses isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Glasses are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not one-size-fits-all, Dr. Layman says. Kelsey Kunik, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2024 Fitness assessments are not one-size-fits-all, the experts stressed. Danielle Friedman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Overall, Galati wants to remind shoppers that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'one-size-fits-all.' 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

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-size-fits-all was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near one-size-fits-all

Cite this Entry

“One-size-fits-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-size-fits-all. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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