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

Four in 10 people who listen to Joe Rogan and other influencers on the right agree, compared with just 28% of Republicans overall. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 16 June 2026

Charles scored the final seven points of the first half and went 5 of 7 from the floor overall with two 3-pointers for Golden State, helping the Valkyries build a 45-26 lead at the break. —ABC News, 16 June 2026

Noun

The women’s assortment spans slim, straight, kick flare, boyfriend wide leg and relaxed straight fits made with stretch denim to 100 percent cotton chore jackets and overalls. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

The Sharks now have seven picks in next week’s draft at second and 27th overall in the first round, 62nd overall in the second round, 120th and 127th overall in the fourth round, 174th in the sixth round, and 201st overall in the seventh round. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Adjective

The findings indicate that bird-watching and similar hobbies may support overall brain health, though researchers stop short of saying the activity definitively halts cognitive decline. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

The Kings have the seventh overall pick in a draft that has been touted as one of the best in recent memory, drawing comparisons to the legendary 1996 and 2003 draft classes. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 June 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