overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

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 

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

Synonyms of overhead

Adverb

• upward
• above
• over

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

Roll down slowly, bend your knees, and bring your arms overhead. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 20 Dec. 2025

The waning crescent moon hung overhead. —Josh Peter, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025

Adjective

To start the game, flick off the overhead lights and keep only the tree lights on. —Caylin Harris, Parents, 21 Dec. 2025

Amazon is dropping major discounts on traveler favorites like Samsonite, with everything from glide-like-butter spinners to durable hardside sets and underseat carry-ons to help avoid fighting for overhead bin space. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025

Noun

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority closed a portion of the line in large part to replace a wooden overhead trough, which housed electric wiring and was installed in the tunnel in the late 19th century, when the subway was first built. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

Standing Side Crunch Stand holding a ball overhead, your elbows bent and out to the sides, and your feet shoulder-width apart. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overhead

• overhead projector

Rhymes for overhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

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 

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 

: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product