overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine thoroughly
our systems of education are being constantly overhauledSaturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
overhaul noun

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine. They had to overhaul their original plans. Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best investors for the future of women’s sports see the long-term opportunity—how much room there is to grow, still, by overhauling the way TV coverage, media buying, and a host of other processes work. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025 The report comes amid the news division being overhauled under the new Paramount Skydance deal. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025 King may shift to a different role at the news division that is being thoroughly overhauled under the new Paramount Skydance regime. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025 In any case, he could be set to leave the Bronx for good as the Yankees look to overhaul a less than stellar relief corps. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhaul

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhaul was in 1705

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb
over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
2
overhaul noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overhaul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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