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 team should have a legitimate interest in him for his all-around game, even if he’s taken after the next name on the list. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Hoerner’s all-around play in the first month is in contention for the best start by an MLB hitter this season. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Delp is tantalizing as an all-around player but never had more than 24 catches in a collegiate season. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026

The receivers have different tantalizing skill sets, from Tate’s downfield ability to Tyson’s all-around talent. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 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