overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

a

: operating, lying, or coming from above

b

: having the driving part above the part driven

valves operated by an overhead camshaft

2

: of or relating to overhead

overhead costs

overhead

3 of 3

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: business expenses (such as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product

2

: ceiling

especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment

3

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Synonyms of overhead

Adverb

• upward
• above
• over

Examples of overhead in a Sentence

Adverb

A chandelier hung directly overhead.

People were making noise in the balcony overhead.

Noun

Her company has very little overhead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Teal wingtips spread, green and yellow plumage vivid against red crowns, the striking birds sailed directly overhead. —Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The company claims this reduces model drift, simplifies compliance, and lowers operational overhead. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

Adjective

This building will add truck docks and overhead doors to accommodate many industrial tenants. —Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 27 Jan. 2026

There are even overhead heat lamps to keep you warm when drying off. —Jenny Willden, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

Qualifying for Europe’s elite competition will add to United’s payroll overheads, but the extra income from playing in it will more than offset that. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

The rising costs of food and overhead trickle down to the menu, making dining out a trickier enterprise, especially at a time when home budgets are shrinking. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overhead

• overhead projector

Rhymes for overhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: operating or lying above

an overhead door

2

: of or relating to business expense

overhead

3 of 3 noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)

2

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Legal Definition

overhead

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product