overall

American  

[oh-ver-awl, oh-ver-awl] / ˈoʊ vərˈɔl, ˈoʊ vərˌɔl /

adverb

1. from one extreme limit of a thing to the other.

   the overall length of the bridge.

2. covering or including everything.

   an overall impression;

   to view something overall.

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noun

1. (used with a plural verb) overalls,

   1. loose, sturdy trousers, usually with a bib or biblike piece to which shoulder straps are attached, originally worn over other trousers to protect them, as by factory workers or farmers.

   2. long waterproof leggings.

2. British. a smock or loose-fitting housedress.

overall British  

adjective

1. from one end to the other

2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

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adverb

1. in general; on the whole

noun

1. a protective work garment usually worn over ordinary clothes

2. (plural) hard-wearing work trousers with a bib and shoulder straps or jacket attached

Etymology

Origin of overall

First recorded before 1000; Middle English overal (adverb), Old English ofer eall; see over ( def. ), all ( def. )

Explanation

The overall meaning of the word overall is that it covers all the parts of something. For example, the individual parts don't matter as much as the overall value. The word overall is the sum of its parts. Take the word over, meaning "above," and add it to the word all, meaning "everything" and you get overall, meaning "above everything". But remember, it's an adjective as in the overall impression of the music, the overall effect of the new tax code, the overall direction (as opposed to individual little changes.) Remember that overalls, the clothes you wore as a kid, went "over all" your other clothes.

Example Sentences

Overall it looks beautiful and I’m proud of the hour of material.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Overall trade with Iran has generally remained volatile in the decades since, with outright bans on pistachio imports lasting years at a time.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Overall, the data showed little sign of a worrying downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Overall, the evaluations of the AI tools will cover "testing, collaborative research and best practice development related to commercial AI systems."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Overall, however, he was pleased, especially with the process of construction.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term