all-around
Americanadjective
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able to do many things; versatile.
an all-around player.
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broadly applicable; not specialized.
an all-around education.
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inclusive; comprehensive; complete.
an all-around failure.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of all-around
First recorded in 1720–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Both of these teams play an all-around, opportunistic version of the game that departs from the modern reliance on home runs versus swing-and-miss.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
The Georgian forward will quickly become a fan favorite if he continues to provide the all-around offensive game he flashed during the preseason.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
Everyone indulged in prodigious scenery-chewing, eschewing any subtlety that Puccini built into this tear-jerking piece in favor of all-around bludgeoning.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
As a senior, he wants to take his skills to another level, using his size and improved speed to become an all-around back, whether running, blocking or catching passes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
For a split second, it displaced the look of all-around wear and, plainly, specific worry that had been on her face since she entered the bathroom.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
