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

No, Kuminga will never be the playmaker or all-around defender Butler is, but his mentee is a bucket-getter on the wing and is the only player at the position group who can actually get to the rim. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

So is all-around homelessness in the county. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026

Despite Mikko Rantanen missing Tuesday’s game with an illness, his team cruised to a 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins, playing its best offensive and all-around game in a month to get back on track after losing 10 of 12 prior and its last three. —Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026

The 5-foot-8 Haynes gave a terrific all-around effort Monday night. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 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