omnibus

American  

[om-nuh-buhs, -buhs] / ˈɒm nəˌbʌs, -bəs /

noun

plural

omnibuses, omnibusses

1. bus.

2. a volume of reprinted works of a single author or of works related in interest or theme.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, including, or dealing with numerous objects or items at once.

   an omnibus bill submitted to a legislature.

omnibus British  

/ -bəs, ˈɒmnɪˌbʌs /

noun

1. a less common word for bus

2. Also called: omnibus volume.  a collection of works by one author or several works on a similar topic, reprinted in one volume

3. Also called: omnibus edition.  a television or radio programme consisting of two or more programmes broadcast earlier in the week

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adjective

1. (prenominal) of, dealing with, or providing for many different things or cases

Etymology

Origin of omnibus

1820–30; < French < Latin: for all (dative plural of omnis )

Explanation

An omnibus is another word for a bus, as in a large vehicle carrying lots of passengers. Other names are autobus and coach. This word has bus in it, and that's the main meaning of omnibus. As a book, an omnibus is collection of articles either all on the same subject or written by a single author. An omnibus of Joyce Carol Oates would fill more shelves than all of Shakespeare’s plays. A third meaning is something that covers a lot of different subjects at once, like an omnibus bill that has legislation about gun control, transportation, and parking meters.

Example Sentences

The ESAs were part of an omnibus bill that included provisions to raise teacher pay and extend the state’s literacy reforms to other grades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

The trading records inside the omnibus accounts contain no information about the individuals making the trades.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

Wednesday just happened to be the deadline a judge set for lawyers to file an omnibus complaint on behalf of 10,000 residents and business owners.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

"One of the secrets I honestly think, is it's 15 minutes every night and then that big omnibus on a Sunday," he told the BBC's Nick Owen.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2025

If done in public, it would no doubt assure anyone of getting a seat on even the most crowded omnibus.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood