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

Either the gifted McKenna or the all-around skillset of Stenberg, both 18, would no doubt be valuable additions to the Sharks’ roster, and at least one will be available at the NHL draft in June after the Toronto Maple Leafs select first. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

Stenberg might be the more polished all-around winger. —Scott Powers, New York Times, 4 May 2026

It’s marked by towering cypress trees and all-around swampiness and all that comes with it. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Many are drought-tolerant, thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and are all-around low-maintenance plants. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 28 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