once-over

noun

ˌwən(t)s-ˈō-vər 

ˈwən(t)s-ˌō-

: a swift examination or survey

especially : a swift comprehensive appraising glance

gave me the once-over

Examples of once-over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giving it a once-over with a can of spray paint is another way to achieve the same result. — Govert Schilling, Scientific American, 27 June 2026

Giving spaces like the kitchen, living room, hallways, and entryway a quick once-over can make your home feel fresher and more put-together heading into Monday. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 22 May 2026

Surely, vets will give Great White a thorough once-over after that, and hopefully Achard will get checked out as well, in horse racing’s version of the infield care center NASCAR drivers visit after a crash. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2026

Tony Propane meets me at the house and gives the property a once-over to determine where the propane tank — the size and shape of a manatee — could physically go. — Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for once-over

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

Kids Definition

once-over

noun

ˈwən(t)-ˌsō-vər

: a quick glance or examination

gave the menu the once-over