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.
Florida’s Boca Raton Resort just overhauled its beach club, sinking millions into the makeover. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 July 2025 Last summer, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority overhauled listing rules in a bid to simplify the process of floating shares on the U.K. market. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 July 2025 Since reclaiming the White House, the president has moved aggressively to implement his priorities, from overhauling the federal government to mass deportations. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 4 July 2025 Wisconsin’s top Democrats on Capitol Hill are becoming increasingly vocal in pushing back on Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal government by cutting agencies and forcing out federal employees. Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 8 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!