variants or less commonly
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

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Presto Professional Electric Knife Sharpener is a fantastic all-around option for people seeking versatility, affordability, and an easy-to-use product. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023 One month after winning her eighth U.S. championship, the gymnast, 26, locked in her spot at the upcoming World Championships by winning the all-around competition at a qualifying event in Katy, Texas, on Tuesday night. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023 The Ravens ended their three-game losing streak in Cincinnati, beating the Bengals, 27-24, behind a complete and all-around performance by the offense and critical stops by the defense for their first victory in the Queen City since 2021. Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2023 This powerful combination also boosts hydration in the skin while repairing and reversing damage, translating to noticeably smoother, softer, and all-around even texture. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2023 Auburn efficiently moved the ball on what at that point was possibly Auburn’s best all-around drive in two weeks. Matt Cohen | McOhen@al.com, al, 17 Sep. 2023 The increased playing time reflects all-around improvements in his game, including as a blocker. Nathan Baird, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2023 Dobbins was expected to be the team’s all-around back this season, with No. 2 Gus Edwards coming in as a closer and Justice Hill filling in on third down or passing situations. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2023 Reedy ground out 243 yards rushing, with quarterback Braden Hernandez adding 45 yards and all-around athlete Kahlil Smith chipping in 38 and a touchdown. Rick Kretzschmar, Dallas News, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'all-around.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of all-around was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near all-around

Cite this Entry

“All-around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-around. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on all-around

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!