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

• unlimited
• 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

Head of Household at the time, poker player and all-around cutthroat gamer Vanessa Rousso chose to blindside her closest ally Austin Matelson by evicting him live on television. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 July 2025

Michael Busch did the most damage, going 4-for-4 with three homers and five RBIs, continuing his quiet development into a superb all-around first baseman. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 5 July 2025

His all-around dominance earned him District 6-5A MVP honors and a spot on the 5A THSBCA All-State Team. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025

Timothy Pearson, Liberty Creek High: The junior was nominated for exceptional all-around school spirit. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 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