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

The Royals were interested in his power potential and all-around tools. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026

Lane, who helped Wyatt break a 52-year playoff drought, has commanded respect with versatility, elite speed, and all-around offensive greatness. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026

Displaying her all-around game, the junior drew 74 exclusions plus added 91 steals. —Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Chiles won the all-around, and teammate Tiana Sumanaserkera also posted strong scores. —Dakayla Hawkins, Daily News, 15 Feb. 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