overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine thoroughly
our systems of education are being constantly overhauledSaturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
overhaul noun

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine. They had to overhaul their original plans. Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
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.
The Sharks roster has almost been completely overhauled since then, with only team captain Logan Couture and defensemen Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Mario Ferraro still left from that 2019-2020 season. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 The ballot measure would have overhauled the current system of electing judges at regular terms and was retroactive, meaning judges could remain on the bench even if they are individually voted off. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 To begin overhauling your data strategy, consider the following: • Explore innovative methods for first-party data collection, such as QR code campaigns, interactive content or immersive AR experiences. Amy Packard Berry, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The town is planning to overhaul its patchy road network in a bid to ease congestion. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overhaul 

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhaul was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near overhaul

Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb
over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
2
overhaul noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overhaul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!