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

Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Kyle Anderson bring a veteran presence, all-around skills and more leadership to the Heat. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025

Simmons, 28, brings the type of all-around skills that Terance Mann gave the Clippers. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025

While his numbers may not dazzle, Simmons' all-around contributions have kept him relevant, even as the Nets focus on rebuilding. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Last team Arizona Diamondbacks HR 26 OPS+ 121 Christian Walker didn’t get regular playing time in the majors until age 28, but the late-blooming slugger has turned into one of MLB’s best all-around first basemen. —Tim Britton, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025

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