all-around

adjective

ˌȯl-ə-ˈrau̇nd 

variants or less commonly all-round

ˈȯl-ˈrau̇nd 

1

: considered in or encompassing all aspects : comprehensive

the best all-around performance so far

2

: competent in many fields

an all-around performer

3

: having general utility or merit

an all-around tool

all around adverb

Synonyms of all-around

• unlimited
• general
• unrestricted

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

an all-around garden rake that adjusts for any raking task, from raking lawns to delicate flower beds

this saw has the top rating for all-around performance, but for small detail work it might not be your best choice

an all-around player, as skilled on the pitcher's mound as he is at the batting plate

Recent Examples on the Web

Fubo Another one of the best all-around live-TV streaming services is Fubo, which carries most major news channels in both of its English-language packages. — Oscar Hartzog, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

Pete Crow-Armstrong displayed his all-around talents daily for the Chicago Cubs. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Kamarui Dorsey, the AJC Super 11 pick from Hampton, is making a case for being the state’s best all-around player. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026

These are a terrific all-around pair of headphones at a price that's tough to beat. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for all-around

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

all-around

adjective

ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd

variants also all-round

1

: considered as a whole or including all parts

the best all-around performance so far

2

: good in many fields

an all-around athlete

3

: having general usefulness

all-around tools

all around adverb