end-all

American  

[end-awl] / ˈɛndˌɔl /

noun

1. the ultimate purpose, object, or conclusion.

   Money is the be-all and end-all of his existence.

2. something that brings things to such an end or conclusion.

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end-all British  

noun

1. short for be-all and end-all

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Etymology

Origin of end-all

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

end-all

It’s what Panko called an “optimization technique,” not the be-all and end-all of a retirement plan.

From MarketWatch ● May 15, 2026

But California would not prove to be the be-all and end-all for the rapper, who chose to lay down more permanent roots in Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 18, 2026

Promotion is the be-all and end-all here, failure to achieve that will mean enduring those dreary 0-0s will have been for nothing.

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2025

“Our analysis should definitely not be taken as a comprehensive be-all, end-all of what fire risk is in California, or fire weather risk, because there are so many other variables,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2024

The end-all mystery inside the bag was a small wooden picture of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd