(idiomatic) A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. Blanket terms often originate as slang, and eventually become integrated into the general vocabulary.

a blanket used under the saddle of a horse

A blanket that one uses to have a secure feeling or reduced anxiety, usually in the early years of life. / Any object one uses to have a sense of security or reduced anxiety.

(US) A small sausage, usually a short hot dog, wrapped in dough and baked. / (UK) A (generally pork) sausage wrapped in bacon, most common at Christmas. / Oysters wrapped in bacon.

(chiefly US) a dish of ground pork and/or beef cooked in cabbages

plural of pig in a blanket

A blanket made of a plastic material covered with a reflective metal agent; designed to reduce heat loss from a person's body following trauma, or used on the exterior of a spacecraft for thermal control.

plural of blanket bath

(Britain) an all-over wash given to a person who is confined to bed or bedridden.

plural of quarter blanket