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

• unlimited
• 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

Game Day Tips Tailgating Tailgating at Texas A&M is part family reunion, part class reunion and all-around party. —Kristen Tribe, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025

This was a dynamic all-around performance. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

Kindle Paperwhite for $125 ($35 off): The Kindle Paperwhite is our all-around favorite Kindle. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 8 Oct. 2025

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a student-friendly tablet that doubles as a solid all-around device. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 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