general-purpose

[ jen-er-uhl-pur-puhs ]

adjective

1. useful in many ways; not limited in use or function:

   a good general-purpose dictionary.

general-purpose

adjective

1. having a range of uses or applications; not restricted to one function

Word History and Origins

Origin of general-purpose¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The requirement might state a general purpose like: This aircraft must be able to hit X target though Y anticipated threat.

From The Daily Beast

There are many terms for this kind of breathing, but the general purpose is to build up heat.

From The Daily Beast

Some of it was just general-purpose paranoia, designed to trick money out of the pockets of the fearful and gullible.

From The Daily Beast

The general purpose of the loan is to effectuate the objects of the voyage and the safety of the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

It does, however, include the cream of the list for general-purpose gardening.

From Project Gutenberg

The general purpose, and design of all, was certainly the service of their Great Creator.

From Project Gutenberg

But the reviewers thought that this was unintelligible nonsense, and merely a small part of the writer's general purpose to annoy.

From Project Gutenberg

With the growth of a general-purpose class, interest in the Asiatic fowls rapidly declined.

From Project Gutenberg