overhaul
verb
over·haul
ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls
1
a
: to examine thoroughly
Our systems of education are being constantly overhauled …—
Saturday Rev.
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.
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
Tuesday marks exactly one year since Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed his first executive order overhauling the city's permit process with a new office.
—Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
During the budget workshop, City Council members agreed to include new funding for nearly two dozen projects, including $2 million for overhauling the eastern portion of Santa Fe Drive and $300,000 for design work on at-grade, railroad crossing points in Leucadia.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
There could be wholesale changes in Sacramento this summer as Kings general manager Scott Perry looks to overhaul an aging and absurdly expensive roster.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
This isn’t about chasing trends or overhauling everything at once.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
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Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
During the budget workshop, City Council members agreed to include new funding for nearly two dozen projects, including $2 million for overhauling the eastern portion of Santa Fe Drive and $300,000 for design work on at-grade, railroad crossing points in Leucadia.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
There could be wholesale changes in Sacramento this summer as Kings general manager Scott Perry looks to overhaul an aging and absurdly expensive roster.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
This isn’t about chasing trends or overhauling everything at once.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhaul
Cite this Entry
“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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