overhaul
verb
over·haul
ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls
1
a
: to examine thoroughly
Our systems of education are being constantly overhauled …—
Saturday Rev.
Saturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
The town librarians are overhauling the summer reading program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
Examples of overhaul in a Sentence
The mechanic overhauled the car's engine.
They had to overhaul their original plans.
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
Recent Examples on the Web
At the April 21 meeting, Lee thanked the board for passing a resolution to overhaul how technology is used in the district, including the i-Ready audit, which is due in the fall.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 12 May 2026
The following year, the City Council called for an independent commission to advise on overhauling the city’s criminal-justice system; it was chaired by Jonathan Lippman, a former chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, and Richards became a member.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Union County Public Schools is overhauling its school media program next year, eliminating 11 positions and moving away from having a dedicated media coordinator in every school.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
At the time, Congress overhauled parts of its opaque workplace complaint system, ended the use of taxpayer money for future harassment settlements, and created new support structures for staff members seeking legal help.
—Nik Popli, Time, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 12 May 2026
The following year, the City Council called for an independent commission to advise on overhauling the city’s criminal-justice system; it was chaired by Jonathan Lippman, a former chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, and Richards became a member.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Union County Public Schools is overhauling its school media program next year, eliminating 11 positions and moving away from having a dedicated media coordinator in every school.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
At the time, Congress overhauled parts of its opaque workplace complaint system, ended the use of taxpayer money for future harassment settlements, and created new support structures for staff members seeking legal help.
—Nik Popli, Time, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhaul
verb
over·haul
ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
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