allover

1 of 4

adjective

all·​over ˈȯl-ˌō-vər 

: covering the whole extent or surface

a sweater with an allover pattern

allover

2 of 4

noun

1

: an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface

2

: a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

all over

3 of 4

adverb

1

: over the whole extent

decorated all over with a flower pattern

2

: everywhere

looked all over for the book

3

: in every respect : thoroughly

she is her mother all over

all over

4 of 4

preposition

1

informal : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of (someone or something)

the band's fans were all over them

2

informal : very critical of (someone) in usually an angry or unreasonable way

the press was all over the coach after the loss

Synonyms

Adverb

• everywhere
• all over the place
• far and near
• all over the map
• in every quarter
• in every corner
• on all hands

Examples of allover in a Sentence

Adjective

a rug with an allover pattern

Adverb

I've looked all over—even outside—and I can't find my other shoe.

his writing style is his mentor's all over

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Styled by Tara Swennen, Stewart’s lacy midi dress was designed with allover botanical inspiration, drenched in a shade of burgundy akin to the autumn season and trending seasonal color. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025

Alex Eagle’s tailored trousers, then layer up with the label’s cozy scarf coat—new with an allover fringe trim. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025

Noun

The body-con dress featured a long sleeve, midi hem design, with allover semi-sheer lace fabric infused with a subtle bouquet of florals. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025

This bra has wide straps, side-smoothing panels, and an allover stretchy fit — sans wires poking you in the ribcage. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Adverb

At the same time, millions of people are unhoused and under-resourced all over the world. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

Cast members fly all over the theater. —Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025

Preposition

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the families of students who were killed in the shooting, criticized the ruling and the law behind it, saying his clients feel victimized all over again. —Bynadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2023

The carbon emissions from that fuel get captured, sent back to Texas, and start the process all over again. —Alan Murray, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1771, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for allover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

allover

1 of 3 adjective

all·​over

ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər

: covering the whole surface of something

a sweater with an allover pattern

all over

2 of 3 adverb

: everywhere

all over

3 of 3 preposition

informal

1

: in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of

the band's fans were all over them

2

: in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of

reporters were all over the coach after the loss