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
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
The Gauchos had 21 assists on 48% shooting (29 for 60) overall, while going 11 for 33 from 3-point range and 14 for 17 from the free-throw line.
—Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026
Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
The wellness aisle, once dominated by impulse buys and vague claims, is evolving into a space for education, trust, and long-term decision-making, mirroring how people increasingly think about their health overall.
—Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
These activities engage animals both mentally and physically, providing stimulation that encourages natural behaviors and supports overall animal welfare.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
The star running back racked up 1,409 yards rushing and 36 touchdowns overall for a Randolph team that won the Div.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
The Gauchos had 21 assists on 48% shooting (29 for 60) overall, while going 11 for 33 from 3-point range and 14 for 17 from the free-throw line.
—Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
Beckman dropped to 14-12 overall, 3-3 in league.
—Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
The wellness aisle, once dominated by impulse buys and vague claims, is evolving into a space for education, trust, and long-term decision-making, mirroring how people increasingly think about their health overall.
—Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The overall winner will be chosen by a public vote, the organizers said in a statement Wednesday.
—Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
These activities engage animals both mentally and physically, providing stimulation that encourages natural behaviors and supports overall animal welfare.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 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 4 Feb. 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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