1
: prime cause : essential element
2

Examples of be-all and end-all in a Sentence

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.
For those whose work is their be-all and end-all, being let go can be earth-shattering. Byorianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2023 The signup offer, while incredibly lucrative, isn’t the be-all and end-all for DraftKings. Gary Pearson | Catena Media, al, 1 Dec. 2022 Although a loss to the Bills would drop those chances to 25 percent, the outcome of Thursday’s game is not the be-all and end-all. Nicole Yang, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Nov. 2022 Deficit reduction was the be-all and end-all of fiscal policy. Martin Sullivan, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for be-all and end-all 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of be-all and end-all was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near be-all and end-all

Cite this Entry

“Be-all and end-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be-all%20and%20end-all. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on be-all and end-all

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!