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

Both shoes are made with all-around play in mind. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 June 2026

And the restaurant itself is plenty Instagram-friendly, with neon signs, fun backgrounds and an all-around good vibe. —Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Bellingham is tall, athletic and an all-around skilled midfielder who often draws comparisons to the French legend Zinedine Zidane. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 June 2026

Shiffrin finished the 2026 season in March by clinching her sixth Crystal Globe, given to the world’s best all-around alpine skier. —Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 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