all-purpose

adjective

all-pur·​pose ˈȯl-ˈpər-pəs 

: suited for many purposes or uses

Synonyms of all-purpose

• unlimited
• general
• general-purpose

Examples of all-purpose in a Sentence

there's nothing wrong with all-purpose flour for baking bread, but flour with more gluten is better

Recent Examples on the Web

Thorstenson recommends applying organic fish emulsion throughout the growing season as a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Haynes had an electric junior season accounting for 3,552 all-purpose yards and 45 touchdowns while leading Whitney to a 10-3 record. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026

To make them, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026

For flour coating, stir together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-purpose

• multipurpose
• purpose

Kids Definition

all-purpose

adjective

all-pur·​pose

-ˈpər-pəs

: suitable for many uses

an all-purpose tool