overall
Americanadverb
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from one extreme limit of a thing to the other.
the overall length of the bridge.
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covering or including everything.
an overall impression;
to view something overall.
noun
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(used with a plural verb) overalls,
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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.
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long waterproof leggings.
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British. a smock or loose-fitting housedress.
adjective
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from one end to the other
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including or covering everything
the overall cost
adverb
noun
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a protective work garment usually worn over ordinary clothes
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(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; over ( def. ), all ( def. )
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.
“Basically, their overall lung capacity isn’t developing at the same rate as kids that live further away,” said Shohreh Farzan, a co-author of the study and associate professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
Only The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson sold more books overall than McFadden in the UK in 2025.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
At the same time, the ratio of FFM to FM increased, indicating an overall improvement in body composition.
From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026
Although luxury spending as a percentage of overall U.S. discretionary outlays is currently relatively low, it’s a sign that households retained some purchasing power—even as higher gas prices kicked in.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Hollingsworth billed it as an overall guide to helping modern young housewives create a peaceful, optimistic, and sanitary household.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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.
