1
: prime cause : essential element
2

Examples of be-all and end-all in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For those whose work is their be-all and end-all, being let go can be earth-shattering. Byorianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2023 The signup offer, while incredibly lucrative, isn’t the be-all and end-all for DraftKings. Gary Pearson | Catena Media, al, 1 Dec. 2022 Although a loss to the Bills would drop those chances to 25 percent, the outcome of Thursday’s game is not the be-all and end-all. Nicole Yang, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Nov. 2022 Deficit reduction was the be-all and end-all of fiscal policy. Martin Sullivan, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for be-all and end-all 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'be-all and end-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

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of be-all and end-all was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near be-all and end-all

Cite this Entry

“Be-all and end-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be-all%20and%20end-all. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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