overhead

American  

[oh-ver-hed, oh-ver-hed] / ˈoʊ vərˈhɛd, ˈoʊ vərˌhɛd /

adverb

1. over one's head; heads; aloft; up in the air or sky, especially near the zenith.

   There was a cloud overhead.

2. so as to be completely submerged or deeply involved.

   to plunge overhead in water; to sink overhead in debt.

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adjective

1. situated, operating, or passing above, aloft, or over the head: heads.

   an overhead sprinkler system.

2. of or relating to the general cost of running a business.

   overhead expenses; an overhead charge.

noun

1. the general, fixed cost of running a business, as rent, lighting, and heating expenses, which cannot be charged or attributed to a specific product or part of the work operation.

2. Accounting. that part of manufacturing costs for which cost per unit produced is not readily assignable.

3. (in a hoistway) the distance between the last floor level served and the beam supporting the hoisting sheaves or machinery.

4. (in racket sports) a stroke in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with a downward motion from above the head; heads; smash.

5. an overhead compartment, shelf, etc..

   Pillows are in the overhead above each passenger's seat.

6. Also called overhead shot.  Movies, Television. a shot in which the camera is positioned above the actors, especially directly overhead.

7. a ceiling light in a room.

   Turn off the overheads when you leave.

8. Also called overhead projector.  a projector capable of projecting images above and behind the person operating it, thus allowing a lecturer or speaker to remain facing the audience while using it.

9. Also called overhead projection.  a picture or image projected in this manner.

   a lecture enhanced with overheads.

overhead British  

adjective

1. situated or operating above head height or some other reference level

2. (prenominal) inclusive

   the overhead price included meals

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adverb

1. over or above head height, esp in the sky

noun

1. 1. a stroke in racket games played from above head height

   2. ( as modifier )

      an overhead smash

2. nautical the interior lining above one's head below decks in a vessel

3. short for overhead door

4. (modifier) of, concerned with, or resulting from overheads

   overhead costs

overhead Cultural  

1. All costs of running a business other than wages paid to production workers or payments for raw material to be used in production. Overhead includes the cost of renting or leasing a store in which business is transacted, the cost of heating a factory, and similar expenses.

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Other Word Forms

• nonoverhead noun

Etymology

Origin of overhead

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; over-, head

Example Sentences

Via the speakers, a feminine voice says, “Once again, this is a totally full flight. Please place personal items under your seat and use the first available overhead space for your larger carry-on.”

From Literature

Nate parks well away from the lights that bathe the street from overhead.

From Literature

Last time we saw McTominay at Hampden he launched himself eight feet into the air to score an overhead kick for the ages.

From BBC

On June 2, those workers will sit beneath iPhones hung overhead to record them while observers are positioned on barstools a few inches behind them.

From Los Angeles Times

It brought me this vision of isolation under the overhead lighting and this disconnect and chasing of attention in modern relationships.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aerial
• atop
• skyward
• upward