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

• all-purpose
• catholic
• general
• general-purpose
• unlimited
• unqualified
• unrestricted
• unspecialized

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

There are three days and nights full of concerts, celebrity panels, brand activations, a film festival, after-parties, and all-around good times in the streets with your crew. —Essence, 23 June 2025

The 28-year-old won her first title in 2013 and by 2015, had become the first woman to win three straight world all-around titles. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

See the best pictures from the remarkable life of the Beatles frontman, father and all-around iconic star who turns 83 on June 18, 2025 3 Comments Born on June 18, 1942, Paul McCartney grew up in Liverpool, England, and ... —Kate Hogan, People.com, 18 June 2025

Betts is one of the most talented all-around players the Red Sox have ever had, and when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame one day, there will be a Dodgers logo on his bronze plaque. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 June 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