general-purpose

adjective

gen·​er·​al-pur·​pose ˈjen-rəl-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce general-purpose (audio)
ˈje-nə-
: suitable to be used for two or more basic purposes

Examples of general-purpose in a Sentence

a general-purpose glue for routine household repairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But that’s not how general-purpose large language models worked in the past. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2025 The company has custom chips for general-purpose computing and for AI, and designed its own storage servers and networking routers. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 July 2025 Best 50mm lens The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50mm f/2 R WR falls into the portrait and general-purpose telephoto category. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 3 July 2025 For most pet parents, design choices meant to accommodate their furry (or feathered, or scaled) friends are relatively simple ones: choosing performance materials that can withstand chewing, clawing and general-purpose romping, and color palettes that camouflage fur. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for general-purpose

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of general-purpose was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“General-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general-purpose. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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