overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

a

: operating, lying, or coming from above

b

: having the driving part above the part driven

valves operated by an overhead camshaft

2

: of or relating to overhead

overhead costs

overhead

3 of 3

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: business expenses (such as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product

2

: ceiling

especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment

3

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Synonyms of overhead

Adverb

• upward
• above
• over

Examples of overhead in a Sentence

Adverb

A chandelier hung directly overhead.

People were making noise in the balcony overhead.

Noun

Her company has very little overhead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

That design introduced the tethered pod that can place a package in a precise location while the main aircraft stays overhead. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Artificial light remains the single greatest obstacle to seeing the Perseids at their best, as light pollution washes out fainter meteors and dims the Milky Way overhead. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Alexandrova gave Sabalenka a high ball, presenting the opportunity for an overhead smash. — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Blind audience members received Braille programs, tactile models and live audio description, while deaf spectators followed overhead titles. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Noun

Lopez said that, combined with the low overhead of operating out of a truck, allows the nonprofit to keep prices down and even offer payment plans. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

With low overhead and low infrastructure costs, a large percentage of their margins is distributed directly to equity holders. — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overhead

• overhead projector

Rhymes for overhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: operating or lying above

an overhead door

2

: of or relating to business expense

overhead

3 of 3 noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)

2

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Legal Definition

overhead

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product