overall

adverb

over·all | \ˌō-vər-ˈȯl

\

Definition of overall

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : all over sense 1 the pattern used overall

2 : from one end to the other 600 feet long overall

3a : in view of all the circumstances or conditions overall, the sale was a success

b : as a whole : generally doesn't do as well overall overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power — Time

c : with everyone or everything taken into account was third overall in earnings got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

noun

over·all | \ˈō-vər-ˌȯl

\

Definition of overall (Entry 2 of 3)

1a overalls\ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz \ plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

b usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

2 chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

overall

adjective

over·all | \ˌō-vər-ˈȯl,

ˈō-vər-ˌȯl\

Definition of overall (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : including everything

2 : viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about overall

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Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb

He made a few mistakes but did well overall. Overall, the project was successful.

Adjective

your overall score after two rounds His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him. Your overall health is sound. She likes the overall quality of the product. The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

There were a few tearful moments, but overall, the feeling in the theatre was wonderstruck. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, "The Legendary Robin Williams was Missed and Reminisced at the New York City Premiere for Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind," 14 July 2018 Such cross-fertilisation is improving Latin American journalism overall, even in Nicaragua. — The Economist, "Latin America’s new media are growing up," 14 July 2018 Dallas moved up two spots in the draft last week to get the Slovenian guard, who was taken third overall by Atlanta while the Mavericks selected former Oklahoma scoring sensation Trae Young for the Hawks. — Schuyler Dixon, Houston Chronicle, "AP sources: DeAndre Jordan commits again 3 years after jilting Mavericks," 1 July 2018 By Blair Kerkhoff The comparison that comes most often is with Aaron Nola, taken seventh overall by the Phillies in 2014 and now with 283 strikeouts and a 3.17 ERA across 269 1/3 innings the last two seasons. — Sam Mellinger, kansascity, "The future of the Royals through the eyes of the man building it," 29 June 2018 Although Dahlin is considered an elite defenseman, this year’s draft lacks a generational talent like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, who were taken first overall in 2015 and 2016. — Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, "N.H.L. Is Expected to Bring Another Tkachuk Into the Fold," 21 June 2018 Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo says in his latest mock draft that teams are looking to trade picks up and down, but the Suns seem set on taking Deandre Ayton first overall. — Jenna West, SI.com, "NBA Draft Rumors: Several Teams Interested in Trading Up For Grizzlies' No. 4 pick," 21 June 2018 The Spurs select 18th in Thursday’s draft, their highest original pick since taking Tim Duncan first overall in 1997. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "With Leonard in limbo, Spurs may face franchise-shaping draft night," 20 June 2018 Judges' reaction: The judges praised Castro for his tasty pork secreto, but ultimately decided the chimichurri sauce was too overpowering and took away from the dish overall. — Becca Smouse, azcentral, "Tempe, Scottsdale chefs fall to pressures of Food Network's chopping block," 13 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Celtics won eight straight titles in the 60s and won 10 of 12 overall. — Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press, "Golden State Warriors just copying the path of past NBA champs," 5 July 2018 Hutchison, the Mountain West Player of the Year, went 22nd overall to the Chicago Bulls. — Manny Navarro, miamiherald, "After quiet draft night, Pat Riley explains why this summer may be the same for Heat," 22 June 2018 The Blue Demons finished 11-20 overall last season and 4-14 in the Big East with a first-round exit in the conference tournament. — Shannon Ryan, chicagotribune.com, "Star recruit Romeo Weems picks DePaul over Michigan State and Michigan," 22 May 2018 In the third week of May, the Chelmsford boys’ volleyball team is in a spot that is a bit surprising — atop the Merrimack Valley Conference standings at 13-3 overall (11-2 in conference play). — Dan Mcloone, BostonGlobe.com, "A net gain for Chelmsford boys’ volleball," 17 May 2018 For more about real estate, watch Fortune’s video: In the U.S., average property prices rose 6.3%, with rates rising in Seattle (number 12 overall) and Francisco (27) by 12.7% and 9.3% respectively. — Eli Meixler, Fortune, "The City With the World's Fastest Rising Property Rates? Berlin," 11 Apr. 2018 Before last Monday’s game, the Longhorns were sitting at 15-10 overall, with a 5-7 record within the conference. — Staff Report, San Antonio Express-News, "Writers’ roundtable: Spurs trade posture examined," 16 Feb. 2018 The Missions are 9-7 in the second half and 51-35 overall. — Jeff Sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chris Paddack dominant in Texas League debut," 8 July 2018 In its first year under coach Paul Weir, New Mexico went 19-15 overall last season. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Former Towson basketball standout Zane Martin transfers to New Mexico," 7 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Trump’s majority disapproval rating overall and on immigration in particular could drag support for detaining families indefinitely during an extended debate. — Scott Clement, Washington Post, "The public rejected Trump’s child-separation policy, but a majority supports his push to detain families until court hearings," 13 July 2018 Even though Nashville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis clock-in cheaper than us on city meters, that's not the case overall. — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville downtown parking cost are rising. Are we being overcharged?," 13 July 2018 The regular Expedition is EPA-rated at 17 miles per gallon, 24 mpg in the city and 20 mpg overall. — Aaron Bragman, USA TODAY, "Review: Ford's revamped Expedition SUV moves to the front of the pack," 13 July 2018 The cuts are then judged on technique and skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish and presentation. — Benjy Egel, sacbee, "Sacramento beats out Paris and Sao Paulo to host 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge," 11 July 2018 David Villa, Javier Mascherano, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez were the other most high profile the board presented him with during that time, with the overall spend by Barça marginally exceeding £300m over the course of four seasons. — SI.com, "Billion Pound Drop: Pep Guardiola's Career Spending Hits £1bn After Man City Mahrez Deal," 12 July 2018 DiVincenzo has yet to sign his rookie contract with the Bucks, which will give him access to funds somewhere around $2 million in his first year based on the rookie-wage scale for the 17th overall pick. — The Heat Index, azcentral, "Milwaukee Bucks rookie Donte DiVincenzo has less than $4 in his bank account," 10 July 2018 Privacy - Terms Doctson, the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, played in only two games as a rookie because of an Achilles injury. — Drew Davison, star-telegram, "Former TCU WR Josh Doctson expects to do 'huge things' in Year 3 with Redskins," 7 July 2018 Sacramento selected Honeycutt in the second round (35th overall) in the 2011 NBA draft after two seasons at UCLA. — Jason Jones, sacbee, "Tyler Honeycutt's career: Drafted by Kings, a dunk champ in Turkey, and a EuroCup title," 7 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overall.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about overall

Dictionary Entries near overall

overall pattern

overall watermark

Statistics for overall

Last Updated

24 Sep 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for overall

The first known use of overall was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for overall

overall

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of overall

(Entry 1 of 3)

: with everyone or everything included

: as a whole : in general

overall

noun

English Language Learners Definition of overall (Entry 2 of 3)

overalls : a pair of pants with an extra piece attached that covers the chest and has straps that go over the shoulders

: a loose coat that is worn over clothes so that they do not get dirty

overalls : a piece of clothing that is worn over other clothes to protect them

overall

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of overall (Entry 3 of 3)

: including everyone or everything

: viewed as a whole or in general

See the full definition for overall in the English Language Learners Dictionary

overall

adverb

over·all | \ˌō-vər-ˈȯl

\

Kids Definition of overall

(Entry 1 of 2)

: as a whole : in most ways They did a nice job overall.

overall

adjective

Kids Definition of overall (Entry 2 of 2)

: including everyone or everything overall expenses

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