catchall

American  

[kach-awl] / ˈkætʃˌɔl /

noun

1. a bag, basket, or other receptacle for odds and ends.

2. something that covers a wide variety of items or situations.

   The list is just a catchall of things I want to see or do on vacation.

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adjective

1. covering a wide variety of items or situations.

   The anthology is a catchall collection.

Etymology

Origin of catchall

1830–40, noun use of verb phrase catch all

Example Sentences

The sources familiar with the Perez photo case said the officer was accused of “conduct unbecoming,” widely considered a catchall category for inappropriate behavior under department regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

When shark sightings, encounters and bites all get conflated under the catchall umbrella of an "attack", the danger seems greater than it is.

From BBC

Globalization has become a catchall explanation for a host of Americans’ troubles, from factory closures to political polarization.

From Barron's

Instead of adding items to a cart, I make a blank grocery list organized by category—meat and protein; fruits and vegetables; dairy; grains; pantry, plus a final catchall section for pantry extras.

From Salon

Article 133 covers dishonorable conduct, while Article 134 is the catchall provision criminalizing conduct that is harmful to good order and discipline or brings discredit on the armed forces.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broad
• comprehensive