overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine thoroughly
our systems of education are being constantly overhauledSaturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
overhaul noun

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine. They had to overhaul their original plans. Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the research for his doctoral dissertation, Nelson studied Ford Motor Company’s electronics division (now Visteon) and its effort to completely overhaul the product design and delivery processes. Nelson P. Repenning, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 But others have their sights set on completely overhauling the entertainment industry’s use of AI. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 Although YouTube redesigned those videos, the company allegedly did not overhaul its policy. Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit, filed in Cole County, marks the first legal challenge aimed at halting a special legislative session designed to carve up the Kansas City region and overhaul the state’s initiative petition process. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhaul

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhaul was in 1705

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Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb
over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
2
overhaul noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overhaul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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