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

Biles’ teammate, 2020 Olympic all-around Champion Suni Lee, announced her comeback in mid-July. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Golding made pretty much the same point Wednesday, which means Kiffin’s argument isn’t merely an attempt to spin a lightning-rod moment into an all-around victory. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 23 July 2026

Bloomington also has a robust food scene, world-class museums, and is an all-around great, bustling town, located just an hour’s drive south of Indianapolis. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Gabby Williams led the way for the Valkyries, scoring 18 points, dishing out five assists and recording three steals in an all-around performance. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 July 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