Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: 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
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
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
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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
Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 13 May 2026
By comparison, immunotherapies, genetics and AI imaging have increased the five-year survival rate for cancers overall to 70% — even for previously lethal forms like skin and lung.
—Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 12 May 2026
Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 7 May 2026
El Camino is 14-12 overall and 8-5 in Palomar League play heading into Friday’s game against Escondido.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
In general, overall deals are becoming fewer and further in-between.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
She is expected to be a centerpiece for the Wings — and, really, the entire league — after being selected first overall and rejoining her former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, in Texas.
—Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 13 May 2026
By comparison, immunotherapies, genetics and AI imaging have increased the five-year survival rate for cancers overall to 70% — even for previously lethal forms like skin and lung.
—Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 12 May 2026
Noun
This will be the 15th year EDC has taken place in Las Vegas, and the 29th year overall (the festival began as a warehouse concert in Los Angeles).
—Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 7 May 2026
El Camino is 14-12 overall and 8-5 in Palomar League play heading into Friday’s game against Escondido.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
Xi nonetheless struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the overall relationship.
—Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
In general, overall deals are becoming fewer and further in-between.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overall
1 of 2 adverb
over·all
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall
overall
2 of 2 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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