overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
1
a
: operating, lying, or coming from above
b
: having the driving part above the part driven
valves operated by an overhead camshaft
2
: of or relating to overhead
overhead costs

overhead

3 of 3

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
1
: business expenses (such as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product
2
: ceiling
especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment
3
: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Examples of overhead in a Sentence

Adverb A chandelier hung directly overhead. People were making noise in the balcony overhead. Noun Her company has very little overhead.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
At those coordinates, Xavier’s whole crew performed under the light of the moon for a raucous mob as fireworks exploded overhead. Hattie Lindert, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 Pro-regime forces sent jets thundering overhead, and ordnance crashed down at random. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Twenty minutes later, with the warning track flooded, lighting flashes overhead and no end to the downpour in sight, the game was officially called. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Birds chirping overhead, horses galloping in the distance — and in the middle of the rural scene, a coffee shop. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Using the location from a 911 cellphone call, rescuers flying overhead via helicopter spotted the group on a mountain ledge above Kapaa Quarry, the department said. Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024 With all of those factors swirling overhead or through governmental offices miles away, the crews march on. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 During a walk through the Huntington Botanical Gardens with her mother one morning, Brenda Ramirez was alarmed by the sudden squawks, warbles, and screeches of troops of parrots flying overhead at great speed in tight, precise formations. Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Residents near Folsom Lake may hear some loud noises overhead at night over the next several weeks. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2024
Adjective
An overhead announcement came on asking the actors to leave the stage, but most stayed. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 The new design will also include personal USB-A and USB-C outlets and larger overhead bins. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024 To emulate nature, overhead irrigation is recommended. Kobi Bardugo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 He was photographed making funny faces, trying to cover his mother’s mouth and screaming while covering his ears to muffle the sounds of overhead military planes. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Loan proceeds from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, were supposed to cover payroll and other overhead expenses. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 No more than 10% of those funds can be used for RIP Medical's overhead and administrative costs, the documents say. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 This might be walking without crutches or a boot, doing an overhead press without shoulder pain, or returning to a group fitness class (with appropriate modifications, of course). Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024 Drones flying overhead day and night delivering this, that, and whatever? Tj Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2024
Noun
Check into programs that offer rebates and make upgrades that lower your overhead. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2024 Similar Tuesday, but perhaps a few degrees warmer and maybe some more clouds floating by overhead. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 The ripple effect Where GenZ is choosing to spend their time and money is also changing, instigating a domino effect through other industries that have typically banked on alcohol sales to fund their overheads. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024 The Arsht’s location — bisected by busy Biscayne Boulevard and so near the traffic roar of Interstate 395 (with planes from Miami International Airport passing overhead) — doesn’t enhance the auditory part of the experience. Christine Dolen, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Serial misfortunes including mismanagement, low gold prices and high overhead caused sporadic closures and ownership changes until production in the area dribbled to a halt in 1942. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Jan. 2024 That jet, designed for hourly charter out of Dubai, had a funkier, nightclub-like design, with colorful overhead lights tying its six zones together in a purple hue. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 Reviewing capital expenditures and administrative overheads is also a must. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 Simplify your life, lower your overhead and make an effort to improve your mental, emotional, financial and physical well-being. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overhead.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhead was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near overhead

Cite this Entry

“Overhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhead. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb
over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: above one's head : aloft
geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective
over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
1
: operating or lying above
an overhead door
2
: of or relating to business expense

overhead

3 of 3 noun
over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
1
: general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)
2
: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Legal Definition

overhead

noun
over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product

More from Merriam-Webster on overhead

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!