overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: in view of all the circumstances or conditions
overall, the sale was a success
b
: as a whole : generally
doesn't do as well overall
overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable powerTime
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
1
a
overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz How to pronounce overall (audio) plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes
b
usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2
chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

Illustration of overall

Illustration of overall
  • overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general

Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb He made a few mistakes but did well overall. Overall, the project was successful. Adjective your overall score after two rounds His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him. Your overall health is sound. She likes the overall quality of the product. The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Tyler Herro this week became the 11th different Heat player to make to an NBA All-Star team, and the 41st selection for Miami overall. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 Banter was overall kept to a minimum, though Armstrong shared some advice about the current state of the world in a brief address. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
The report also showed that major felony crime fell by 2% overall, with robberies, burglaries and grand larceny down, but murders and felony assaults up. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 Hastings said the Badgers (11-12-3 overall) have been toughened by the early adversity. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Della Maddalena showed a gap in his overall skills in this fight, struggling with his defensive grappling, but at just 27, the Australian has time to shore up that weakness in the future. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Your provider will ask about your habits and overall health to determine potential causes. Mark Gurarie, Health, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for overall 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overall was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near overall

Cite this Entry

“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb
over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall

overall

2 of 2 adjective
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general

More from Merriam-Webster on overall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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