all-around

adjective

ˌȯl-ə-ˈrau̇nd 

variants or less commonly all-round

ˈȯl-ˈrau̇nd 

1

: considered in or encompassing all aspects : comprehensive

the best all-around performance so far

2

: competent in many fields

an all-around performer

3

: having general utility or merit

an all-around tool

all around adverb

Synonyms

• all-purpose
• catholic
• general
• general-purpose
• unlimited
• unqualified
• unrestricted
• unspecialized

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

an all-around garden rake that adjusts for any raking task, from raking lawns to delicate flower beds

this saw has the top rating for all-around performance, but for small detail work it might not be your best choice

an all-around player, as skilled on the pitcher's mound as he is at the batting plate

Recent Examples on the Web

To Shop On the other hand, shopping on the day before Thanksgiving is an all-around lovely experience. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024

Those in the know classify Dierks Bentley’s 2010 bluegrass detour, Up on the Ridge, as his best all-around album. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Korean content has proven to be an all-around heavy hitter for the platform globally. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

The podcaster, YouTuber, and all-around internet personality knows how to make a statement with her costumes. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

all-around

adjective

ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd

variants also all-round

1

: considered as a whole or including all parts

the best all-around performance so far

2

: good in many fields

an all-around athlete

3

: having general usefulness

all-around tools

all around adverb