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.
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
Evans left the arena in tears on Sunday after her disappointing sixth in the all-around individual competition, coming after Wales finished fourth in the team event.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
In the end, it was another tenacious, all-around performance from the current World No. 1, who now has five major titles and doesn’t really have a hole in his game, other than fatigue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
Aside from yours truly, Aech was the best all-around gamer I’d ever encountered.
From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
