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
Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Here’s a full breakdown of where things stand in the tournament overall and for the 10 Panthers now that pool play is complete.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Reuters, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Monangai, drafted 233rd overall by Chicago, could’ve immediately been a tough and reliable piece in the backfield.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026
Lea Haddad's luscious, curly mane no doubt employs some invisible layers to lighten the load, but the overall appearance gives the illusion of the same sharp, heavy-ended finish created by blunt cuts.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adverb
In 2025, Walmart gained more than 23%, while consumer staples overall were essentially flat.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Here’s a full breakdown of where things stand in the tournament overall and for the 10 Panthers now that pool play is complete.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Washington Redskins selected him in the second round (31st overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft.
—Reuters, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Monangai, drafted 233rd overall by Chicago, could’ve immediately been a tough and reliable piece in the backfield.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Key Takeaways Ginger tea is good for overall health and may aid digestion, calm an upset stomach, and ease pain and inflammation.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026
Lea Haddad's luscious, curly mane no doubt employs some invisible layers to lighten the load, but the overall appearance gives the illusion of the same sharp, heavy-ended finish created by blunt cuts.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 17 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
