general

1 of 2

adjective

gen·​er·​al ˈjen-rəl 

ˈje-nə-

1

: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole

2

: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group

the general equation of a straight line

3

: not confined by specialization or careful limitation

a general outline

4

: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic

the general characteristics of a species

5

a

: applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent

the general opinion

b

: concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects

6

: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details

bearing a general resemblance to the original

7

: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled

the general manager

general

2 of 2

noun

1

: something (such as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole

2

: superior general

3

archaic : the general public : people

4

a

: general officer

b

: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars compare admiral

see also:

in general

Synonyms of general

Adjective

• overall
• generic
• common
• universal

Examples of general in a Sentence

Adjective

They have issued a general warning.

The general consensus is that we should go ahead.

The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.

She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.

The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.

My concerns are all general—nothing specific.

The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept.

My general impression was that things were going well.

They were found in the same general area.

I'm going in the general direction of the store.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Genre provides story tension at a time of general market downturn where series, whatever their hot button issues, must never forget to entertain. — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Networks have been cautious about any airing of a public death, issuing viewer advisories or having general policies against airing the moment of death. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

The provinces of Coclé, Veraguas and Los Santos were among the hardest hit, according to Malitzie Rivera, deputy director general of Panama’s National Civil Protection System. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

According to the guidelines, the method is recommended to the secretary by the provost marshal general. — Meagan Harris, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin

Noun

derivative of general entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing general

• adjutant general
• agent-general
• artificial general intelligence
• attorney general
• average/normal/general/usual run of
• brigadier general
• consulate general
• consul general
• general admission
• general agent
• general anesthesia
• general assembly
• general aviation
• general consensus
• general delivery
• general election
• general officer
• general of the air force
• general of the army
• general opinion
• general paresis
• general partner
• general practice
• general practitioner
• general-purpose
• general quarters
• general relativity
• general release
• general rule
• general semantics
• general store
• general theory of relativity
• general will
• governor-general
• in general
• inspector general
• judge advocate general
• lieutenant general
• major general
• on general release
• postmaster general
• receiver general
• secretary-general
• solicitor general
• superior general
• surgeon general
• the general public
• vicar-general

Kids Definition

general

1 of 2 adjective

gen·​er·​al ˈjen-(ə-)rəl 

1

: involving, applying to, or affecting the whole : not local or partial

a general election

the general body of citizens

2

: relating to or covering all instances

a general conclusion

3

: not specific or in detail

a general outline

4

: common to many

the general custom here

5

: not special : not specialized

a general store

6

: of top rank

general manager

general

2 of 2 noun

: a military officer with a rank above that of a colonel

especially : an officer with the rank just above that of a lieutenant general

Medical Definition

general

adjective

gen·​er·​al ˈjen-(ə-)rəl 

1

: not confined by specialization or careful limitation

a general surgeon

2

: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals

the general characteristics of a species

3

: involving or affecting practically the entire body or organism : not local

general infirmity

Legal Definition

general

adjective

gen·​er·​al ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə- 

1

: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole

2

: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group

3

: not confined by specialization or limitation

4

: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limiting details

5

: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled

the general manager