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
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
That’s frustrating, obviously, but Bonitto echoed Joseph’s sentiment overall.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
The Hawks were 2-2 overall and had a 1-1 record in district so far, with wins against Crowley and Granbury this season.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Compared to other diets, this one focuses on addition more than restriction; rather than emphasizing cutting calories or weight loss, this method of eating focuses on overall health and nutrient density.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
The Tigers accumulated 10 hits and four walks overall, but struck out 12 times and never scored again.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
That’s frustrating, obviously, but Bonitto echoed Joseph’s sentiment overall.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
East Ridge fell to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Mounds View improved to 2-3 and 1-1.
—Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
The Hawks were 2-2 overall and had a 1-1 record in district so far, with wins against Crowley and Granbury this season.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Chris Van Gorder, Scripps’ chief executive officer, said the private nonprofit medical provider’s governing board recently approved these changes to the organization’s overall development plan.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Compared to other diets, this one focuses on addition more than restriction; rather than emphasizing cutting calories or weight loss, this method of eating focuses on overall health and nutrient density.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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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