allover

1 of 4

adjective

all·​over ˈȯl-ˌō-vər How to pronounce allover (audio)
: covering the whole extent or surface
a sweater with an allover pattern

allover

2 of 4

noun

1
: an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface
2
: a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

all over

3 of 4

adverb

1
: over the whole extent
decorated all over with a flower pattern
2
: everywhere
looked all over for the book
3
: in every respect : thoroughly
she is her mother all over

all over

4 of 4

preposition

1
informal : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of (someone or something)
the band's fans were all over them
2
informal : very critical of (someone) in usually an angry or unreasonable way
the press was all over the coach after the loss

Examples of allover in a Sentence

Adjective a rug with an allover pattern Adverb I've looked all over—even outside—and I can't find my other shoe. his writing style is his mentor's all over
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But there’s also a growing segment of allover deodorant solutions on the market that offer fresh-feeling skin through toxic-free and clean formulation. Charlie Carballo, WWD, 11 July 2024 Dip a toe under the sea with the twinkly embellishments on SimonMiller's beachy collection for Mango, or dive all the way in with Marysia's allover shell print. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2023
Noun
This bra has wide straps, side-smoothing panels, and an allover stretchy fit — sans wires poking you in the ribcage. Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 2 July 2025 Esparza The ‘Pageboy Bob’ Is Trending for Girls Who Like Soft Layers By Fiona Embleton If your sunburn is less of an allover situation and more of a spot-treatment job, dab concealer onto only the reddest parts of your face. Amber Rambharose, Glamour, 12 June 2025
Adverb
The midi dress featured small cascading blue florals all over the cotton fabric, with details of bright blue seams on the sleeves, neckline and skirt of the frock. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025 Of course, sheer pieces have Scorpio written all over them. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Preposition
Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the families of students who were killed in the shooting, criticized the ruling and the law behind it, saying his clients feel victimized all over again. Bynadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2023 The carbon emissions from that fuel get captured, sent back to Texas, and start the process all over again. Alan Murray, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for allover

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1771, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allover was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Allover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allover. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

allover

1 of 3 adjective
all·​over
ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər
: covering the whole surface of something
a sweater with an allover pattern

all over

2 of 3 adverb

all over

3 of 3 preposition
informal
1
: in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of
the band's fans were all over them
2
: in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of
reporters were all over the coach after the loss
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