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
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
She was drafted fourth overall to the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League this month, too.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Central Florida location for the Great Big Game Show is the first in Florida and the 22nd overall, located just north of Icon Park.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
In some markets, labor can now account for a substantial portion of the overall bill.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
One more strap wraps over the ankle, which features a slightly bigger buckle that sits at the side of the foot, totaling seven straps overall.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
She was drafted fourth overall to the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League this month, too.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
His big hit improved the club to 21-6 overall and a perfect 11-0 in league play.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Central Florida location for the Great Big Game Show is the first in Florida and the 22nd overall, located just north of Icon Park.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
The overall cost of each package wouldn’t be dissimilar, and Gordon, 25, is a few years younger than the 28-year-old Rashford.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
In some markets, labor can now account for a substantial portion of the overall bill.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 May 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 28 May. 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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