# blanket term

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/blanket-term
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things.

## Examples

- Vegetables is a blanket term for many different types of plants.
- The manager used the blanket term office supplies to describe everything from pens to expensive printers.
- Scholars often criticize the use of such a broad blanket term, arguing that it obscures the distinct cultural differences between the various groups being studied.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.