do-all: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/ArchaicHistorical/Informal
Quick answer
What does “do-all” mean?
A person employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, especially domestic ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, especially domestic ones; a factotum or general servant.
Someone who is willing or expected to handle any and all duties, often beyond a specific job description; can imply a person who tries to do everything themselves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term was historically more common in British English, particularly in the context of large household staff. In modern American English, it is almost entirely obsolete.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies a position of low status and lack of specialization. It can also humorously refer to someone who takes on too many roles.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both modern British and American English. More likely to be encountered in historical novels or period dramas.
Grammar
How to Use “do-all” in a Sentence
[determiner] + do-all + [prepositional phrase: for someone/in a place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Only used in historical or sociological studies discussing domestic service.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday conversation.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “do-all”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “do-all”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do-all”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'He will do-all the work').
- Using it in a modern, professional resume context.
- Confusing it with 'do-all' as an adjective (which is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is very rarely used in modern English outside of historical contexts.
No, 'do-all' is exclusively a noun. The verb phrase is 'do it all' or simply 'do everything'.
A 'do-all' historically referred to a domestic servant responsible for all menial tasks, often living in. A 'handyman' is a skilled tradesperson hired for specific repair jobs, usually not living in the household.
Historically, 'maid-of-all-work' was the common term for a female servant performing a similar wide range of domestic duties.
A person employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, especially domestic ones.
Do-all is usually historical/informal in register.
Do-all: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː ɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdu ɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person who must 'do all' the tasks – the name is the job description.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A TOOL (for every job).
Practice
Quiz
The term 'do-all' is best described as: