omnibus

American  

[om-nuh-buhs, -buhs] / ˈɒm nəˌbʌs, -bəs /

noun

plural

omnibuses, omnibusses

1. bus.

2. a volume of reprinted works of a single author or of works related in interest or theme.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, including, or dealing with numerous objects or items at once.

   an omnibus bill submitted to a legislature.

omnibus British  

/ -bəs, ˈɒmnɪˌbʌs /

noun

1. a less common word for bus

2. Also called: omnibus volume.  a collection of works by one author or several works on a similar topic, reprinted in one volume

3. Also called: omnibus edition.  a television or radio programme consisting of two or more programmes broadcast earlier in the week

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adjective

1. (prenominal) of, dealing with, or providing for many different things or cases

Etymology

Origin of omnibus

1820–30; < French < Latin: for all (dative plural of omnis )

Explanation

An omnibus is another word for a bus, as in a large vehicle carrying lots of passengers. Other names are autobus and coach. This word has bus in it, and that's the main meaning of omnibus. As a book, an omnibus is collection of articles either all on the same subject or written by a single author. An omnibus of Joyce Carol Oates would fill more shelves than all of Shakespeare’s plays. A third meaning is something that covers a lot of different subjects at once, like an omnibus bill that has legislation about gun control, transportation, and parking meters.

Example Sentences

And, with a raft of proposals known as the "Omnibus" bill currently before Congress, it's now the turn of public spending.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2024

If SAG-AFTRA members lose health coverage because they did not work enough days or meet the earnings threshold, they qualify for continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2023

The Omnibus bill amendment ensures those improvements will be on all MAXs flying in the U.S. within three years of the MAX 10’s certification.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2022

The bill, formally called the “Animal Care and Control Omnibus Amendment Act of 2021,” passed unanimously at its first reading last week.

From Washington Times • Dec. 14, 2022

On the advice of Bullock it also repassed the resolutions of July, 1868, required by the Omnibus Act.

From The Reconstruction of Georgia Studies in History, Economics and Public Law, Vol. 13, No. 3, 1901 by Woolley, Edwin C.