overall

American  

[oh-ver-awl, oh-ver-awl] / ˈoʊ vərˈɔl, ˈoʊ vərˌɔl /

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.

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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 British  

adjective

1. from one end to the other

2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

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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

Etymology

Origin of overall

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

Example Sentences

But the real challenge now, he says, is to get a "consumption uplift", so that along with a shift in wallet-share there's also a growth in the overall market size.

From BBC

In a season where the overall talent level in City Section basketball probably reached a new low, the young talent at Palisades provides a starting point to move forward.

From Los Angeles Times

With a handful of medals still be won before the closing ceremony, Norway lead the medals table with 18 golds and 41 medals overall.

From Barron's

Beyond specific health markers, pecans appear to be linked to better overall diet quality.

From Science Daily

"At these higher water levels, methane and nitrous oxide emissions were also low, giving a much better overall gas balance. Under such conditions, the field even absorbed slightly more CO2 than it released," says Zhao.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term