overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 

1

: all over sense 1

the pattern used overall

2

: from one end to the other

600 feet long overall

3

a

: in view of all the circumstances or conditions

overall, the sale was a success

b

: as a whole : generally

doesn't do as well overall

overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power

—Time

c

: with everyone or everything taken into account

was third overall in earnings

got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

a

overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz  plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

b

usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

2

chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

Illustration of overall

• overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl  ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

: including everything

2

: viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms of overall

Adverb

• collectively
• generally
• broadly
• all around
• all in all
• together
• altogether

Adjective

• general
• generic

Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb

He made a few mistakes but did well overall.

Overall, the project was successful.

Adjective

your overall score after two rounds

His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.

Your overall health is sound.

She likes the overall quality of the product.

The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Wednesday should remain mostly sunny overall, with a high near 86 degrees followed by unsettled weather Thursday. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026

Women with high occupational heat exposure were roughly twice as likely to suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth as those working in cooler conditions, and faced elevated risks of adverse birth outcomes overall. — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Noun

By combining tests, quality control, and performance tracking, the company handbook can become more accurate and useful overall, and a small business can more successfully preserve its high standards of expertise for the future. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

The Clueless Capsule Kit will feature Cher’s infamous yellow-plaid set, layered tops, button-front skirts, workout wear and overalls inspired by Tai. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The overall war death toll in Gaza has passed 73,400 Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Contemporary furnishings by Croatian design company Prostoria combine minimalism with comfort, adding to the overall sense of serenity. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overall

• the overall scheme of things

Rhymes for overall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb

over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl 

: as a whole : generally

we find your work satisfactory, overall

overall

2 of 2 adjective

ˌō-və-ˈrȯl, 

ˈō-və-ˌrȯl

1

: including everything

overall expenses

2

: viewed as a whole : general