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; 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.
Vocabulary lists containing overall
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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Sarah, Plain and Tall
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Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 2)
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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.
Your wallet and overall well-being will thank you.
From Salon • May 24, 2026
Men using Wegovy showed the highest signal overall, with odds 116 times higher than expected.
From Science Daily • May 23, 2026
This includes fully working lights and electrics, tyres in good condition with sufficient tread and the overall condition of the vehicle.
From BBC • May 23, 2026
Jay Hatfield, chief executive at Infrastructure Capital Advisors, pointed to overall seasonal risks, noting that May and September have historically been weaker months for stocks.
From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026
When he came back into the cabin, he took off his blanket-lined overall jacket and sat behind the stove for a long time.
From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong
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.
