end-all

American  

[end-awl] / ˈɛndˌɔl /

noun

1. the ultimate purpose, object, or conclusion.

   Money is the be-all and end-all of his existence.

2. something that brings things to such an end or conclusion.

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end-all British  

noun

1. short for be-all and end-all

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Etymology

Origin of end-all

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

But California would not prove to be the be-all and end-all for the rapper, who chose to lay down more permanent roots in Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

But Olympic medal tables do not tell the full story, and are not the be-all and end-all.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

It's not the be-all and end-all, but it would be another marker the players can look back on.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

“We didn’t even really think of ourselves really as, like, Hispanic — I mean, we all were, but it wasn’t the end-all be-all,” Barrios said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

The realization baffled me, since that had been primary on our minds when we left—the be-all and end-all of our journey, the reason for leaving Mamá’s side.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall