Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
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
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
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
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
The Boilermakers won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2023 and third time overall.
—Jay Cohen, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Darlington became the first boys or girls basketball team outside metro Atlanta to win a Private championship since Aquinas’ boys in 2018 and the second overall since smaller private schools began having their own championships in 2013.
—Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Additionally, Fitbit will soon let those on the Public Preview software share their medical records to better understand their overall health.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
Intrigue also surrounds the first — and almost assuredly only — March Madness performances of talented freshmen Cameron Boozer of Duke, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and AJ Dybantsa of BYU, each of whom could be selected first overall in June’s NBA draft.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
The Boilermakers won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2023 and third time overall.
—Jay Cohen, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
Parade goers from across the city, state and country brought out typical boisterous enthusiasm for one of Boston’s most notable event, decked out in green overalls, Irish flags, glittering shamrocks, Celtics gear, creative costumes and more.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Darlington became the first boys or girls basketball team outside metro Atlanta to win a Private championship since Aquinas’ boys in 2018 and the second overall since smaller private schools began having their own championships in 2013.
—Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
In the 2022 primary, Kane County’s overall turnout was a little under 19%, according to numbers from the Clerk’s Office.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Additionally, Fitbit will soon let those on the Public Preview software share their medical records to better understand their overall health.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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