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
Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
His winning streak of eight fights overall ended in July 2024 when Charles Johnson knocked him out.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
During his three seasons with the Bears after he was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Differences Between Fat Loss and Weight Loss Fat loss and weight loss affect your body composition, metabolism, and overall health in different ways.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
About 4 in 10 voters approve of his job as president overall.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
His winning streak of eight fights overall ended in July 2024 when Charles Johnson knocked him out.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
The Ball State transfer made two kicks over 50 yards last year, going 11-of-13 overall on field goals.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
During his three seasons with the Bears after he was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Adjective
Muscle mass contributes to your overall weight; BMI cannot differentiate among weight that's due to fat, bone, or muscle.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Differences Between Fat Loss and Weight Loss Fat loss and weight loss affect your body composition, metabolism, and overall health in different ways.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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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