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catch-all

British  

noun

    1. something designed to cover a variety of situations or possibilities

    2. ( as modifier )

      a catch-all clause

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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Over time, it’s become less of a single-use breakfast food and more of a catch-all solution.

From Salon Apr. 28, 2026

One of the issues is the catch-all approach to disciplinary action in England.

From BBC Apr. 14, 2026

Eurobonds refer to common bonds issued by EU states, while joint borrowing is the catch-all term for debt issued with liability shared by governments.

From Barron's Feb. 10, 2026

The site serves as a catch-all for various state, L.A.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 23, 2025

The term World Music is often used as a catch-all category referring to almost any music with widespread popularity that clearly does not sound like North American popular music.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

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