overall

[oh-ver-awl, oh-ver-awl]

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.

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

adjective

1. from one end to the other

2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of overall¹

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

Example Sentences

Obamacare is, overall, a successful and popular program — the Republicans’ worst nightmare.

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At the same time, the firm has sought to reduce costs in its overall operations.

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But overall volumes for beverages declined 1% — including a 12th straight quarter in which NA beverage volume fell — and volumes for convenient foods also declined 1%.

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That kind of tendentious formulation, along with the overall perspective, ultimately led to the exhibition’s cancellation.

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Private-equity company Carlyle Group, extrapolating from companies in which it owns stakes, said Tuesday that it thinks overall U.S. jobs growth slid in September from an already weak official reading in August.

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Related Words

• comprehensive 
• global 
• long-term