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 Aventador also saw Lamborghini push the limits of all-around performance a bit farther than previous models, adding a greater emphasis on handling than those that came before. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025

Partnered with Derek Hough for the show's 20th season, 2008 all-around Olympic champion gymnast Nastia Liukin had consistently high scores throughout the season. —Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

Hence, an all-around poor effort. —Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

Keep scrolling for 37 of the best Backcountry early Black Friday deals—chosen by me, an avid hiker, camper, and all-around gear enthusiast. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2025

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