An omnibus can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are the different meanings of the term:

• Omnibus bill: A proposed law that covers a number of diverse or unrelated topics. It is a single document that is accepted in a single vote by a legislature but packages together several measures into one or combines diverse subjects. Because of their large size and scope, omnibus bills limit opportunities for debate and scrutiny. Historically, omnibus bills have sometimes been used to pass controversial amendments. For this reason, some consider omnibus bills to be anti-democratic.

• Omnibus (bus): A usually automotive public vehicle designed to carry a large number of passengers. Other names for it are autobus and coach.

• Omnibus (book): A book containing reprints of a number of works (as of a single author or on a single subject) . As a book, an omnibus is a collection of articles either all on the same subject or written by a single author. For example, 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.

• Omnibus (comics): A large, oversized hardcover book that collects a large number of comic book issues. Omnibuses usually have better binding than regular books and are focused on a single event or run of a comic. They can collect anywhere from 25-50 issues, sometimes more.

• Omnibus (other): Pertaining to, including, or dealing with numerous objects or items at once. For example, an omnibus edition of an authors more popular stories.