general-purpose
adjective
gen·er·al-pur·pose
ˈjen-rəl-ˈpər-pəs 
ˈje-nə-
: 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
This vertical specialization allows Story to do what general-purpose chains often can’t: manage complex creative relationships at scale.
—
Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The 9 Best Fertilizers for Indoor Plants, Reviewed by BHG
When to Use 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Fertilizers with a 1:1:1 ratio, like 10-10-10, are called balanced fertilizers and are sometimes called general-purpose fertilizers.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
Fertilizer Fertilize this plant monthly from spring to fall with any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer at half-strength.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
There is broad consensus that artificial intelligence is likely to be the new general-purpose technology that transforms economies around the world.
—Stephen Peter Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
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Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The 9 Best Fertilizers for Indoor Plants, Reviewed by BHG
When to Use 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Fertilizers with a 1:1:1 ratio, like 10-10-10, are called balanced fertilizers and are sometimes called general-purpose fertilizers.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
Fertilizer Fertilize this plant monthly from spring to fall with any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer at half-strength.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
There is broad consensus that artificial intelligence is likely to be the new general-purpose technology that transforms economies around the world.
—Stephen Peter Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for general-purpose
Cite this Entry
“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general-purpose. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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