The meaning of GENERAL is involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole. How to use general in a sentence.

GENERAL definition: 1. involving or relating to most or all people, things, or places, especially when these are…. Learn more.

Sep 24, 2025 · General Polk stated, with all respect to General Bragg’s great abilities in the direction of organization and discipline, that he had been wanting in the higher elements of …

1. of, pertaining to, or affecting all persons or things belonging to a group, category, or system: a general meeting of members; a general amnesty. 2. of, pertaining to, or true of such persons …

General comes from the French word générale, which means "common to all people," but we use it for more than just people. You might inquire about the general habits of schoolchildren, or …

Discover everything about the word "GENERAL" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.

There are 37 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word general, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.