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

Moe DeWitt is an Orlando personal injury attorney who successfully litigated cases that involved DAVID abuse and helped lead to a law overhauling access to the system five years ago. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Following significant criticism over the quality and look compared to previous jerseys due to a Nike redesign, the jersey was significantly overhauled. — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 18 July 2026

The order mandates clean drinking water around the clock, nutritious meals and daily sanitation, plus overhauled medical care, disability accommodations and independent monitors overseeing compliance. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026

Starting in April 2027, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will overhaul its accommodation tax, and for the first time the charge will reach private short-term rentals and guesthouses. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 July 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