overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1

a

: to examine thoroughly

Our systems of education are being constantly overhauled …

—Saturday Rev.

b(1)

: repair

The mechanic overhauled the engine.

(2)

: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly

The town librarians are overhauling the summer reading 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

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun

Synonyms of overhaul

• catch
• overtake
• chase
• reach
• pursue

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

While cost is an important factor, service reliability and the availability of spare parts are also important considerations for truck carriers, and overhauling an entire fleet is a major investment. — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026

Take the quiz here … LISTEN Tune in as potential federal legislation aims to overhaul NIL rules, transfer policies, and student-athlete recruitment in college sports. — FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

The Blues haven’t overhauled their roster, but the changes are significant. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Facing years of limited picks and lingering scandal, the franchise must overhaul its front office by parting ways with Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overhaul

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

1

: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on

overhaul an engine

2

: overtake sense 1a

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun