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

The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of my favorite all-around credit cards. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

The base of the sandal was metallic silver, creating an all-around glamorous aesthetic. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Delafonte is Playboy Ray, a cocky, obnoxious, and supremely talented all-around cowboy. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Eric Tripp, who is in his first year as Joliet Catholic’s coach, appreciates Tibbott’s all-around play. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 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