allover

1 of 4

adjective

all·​over ˈȯl-ˌō-vər 

: covering the whole extent or surface

a sweater with an allover pattern

allover

2 of 4

noun

1

: an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface

2

: a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

all over

3 of 4

adverb

1

: over the whole extent

decorated all over with a flower pattern

2

: everywhere

looked all over for the book

3

: in every respect : thoroughly

she is her mother all over

all over

4 of 4

preposition

1

informal : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of (someone or something)

the band's fans were all over them

2

informal : very critical of (someone) in usually an angry or unreasonable way

the press was all over the coach after the loss

Synonyms

Adverb

• everyplace
• everywhere
• far and wide
• high and low
• throughout

Examples of allover in a Sentence

Adjective

a rug with an allover pattern

Adverb

I've looked all over—even outside—and I can't find my other shoe.

his writing style is his mentor's all over

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Dip a toe under the sea with the twinkly embellishments on SimonMiller's beachy collection for Mango, or dive all the way in with Marysia's allover shell print. —Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2023

The teen wore a gown by Lebanese designer Shady Zeineldine, which featured allover gold sequins and a turtleneck style. —Jessica Booth, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2023

Noun

The actress fashioned a custom ensemble courtesy of Prada, featuring a black allover sequin jumpsuit, black satin miniskirt with a geometric train and black patent leather pumps. Nyong’o’s sequin jumpsuit featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves. —Julia Teti, WWD, 27 June 2024

Not to be missed is Takahiko Izawa’s allover engraved ’58 Impala, which resembles a piece of silver jewelry. —Booth Moore, WWD, 15 June 2024

Adverb

From berets to dixie cups, hats were all over the runway and the audience (not to mention the bellhops, in their Ritz-blue caps). —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 June 2024

The head of the Republican Governor’s Association rolled out the red carpet and the tyrants danced all over it. —For The Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2024

Preposition

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the families of students who were killed in the shooting, criticized the ruling and the law behind it, saying his clients feel victimized all over again. —Bynadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2023

The carbon emissions from that fuel get captured, sent back to Texas, and start the process all over again. —Alan Murray, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1771, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

allover

1 of 3 adjective

all·​over

ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər

: covering the whole surface of something

a sweater with an allover pattern

all over

2 of 3 adverb

: everywhere

all over

3 of 3 preposition

informal

1

: in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of

the band's fans were all over them

2

: in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of

reporters were all over the coach after the loss