allover

1 of 4

adjective

all·​over ˈȯl-ˌō-vər 

: covering the whole extent or surface

a sweater with an allover pattern

allover

2 of 4

noun

1

: an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface

2

: a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

all over

3 of 4

adverb

1

: over the whole extent

decorated all over with a flower pattern

2

: everywhere

looked all over for the book

3

: in every respect : thoroughly

she is her mother all over

see also:

all over the map

all over

4 of 4

preposition

1

informal : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of (someone or something)

the band's fans were all over them

2

informal : very critical of (someone) in usually an angry or unreasonable way

the press was all over the coach after the loss

Synonyms of allover

Adverb

• everywhere
• all over the place
• far and near
• in every corner
• on all hands

Examples of allover in a Sentence

Adjective

a rug with an allover pattern

Adverb

I've looked all over—even outside—and I can't find my other shoe.

his writing style is his mentor's all over

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The venerated Oscar-winning, 88-year-old actress and activist wore a long-sleeve maxidress with twisted fabric at the base of the neckline and allover sparkle embellished into the fabric. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Crafted from rigid denim with an allover floral garden print, the jacket ($150) features a faux leather collar, long sleeves and a full-zip front closure, while the matching jeans ($80) include a classic five-pocket design and an embroidered Met logo on the left leg. — Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 2025

Noun

In true Mackie fashion, the strapless, formfitting midi dress was completely embellished with allover sparkle and delicate beadwork, particularly down the front placket of the dress. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Now, for the first time ever, my natural hair looks beachy, with a slight wave, allover texture, and very little frizz. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Wearing rubber gloves, use a sponge to spread the mixture all over the bottom of the oven. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Netflix content is all over town this week and later today execs will speak about its anime offering. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 June 2026

Preposition

Using the textured side of a meat mallet, gently pound the meat until it’s slightly flattened, creating indentations all over the surface. — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Smaller portions of meat served on skewers as appetizers or small plates are all over, thanks perhaps to high costs and the national hunger for protein-heavy diets. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1771, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for allover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

allover

1 of 3 adjective

all·​over

ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər

: covering the whole surface of something

a sweater with an allover pattern

all over

2 of 3 adverb

: everywhere

all over

3 of 3 preposition

informal

1

: in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of

the band's fans were all over them

2

: in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of

reporters were all over the coach after the loss