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

Leaves dance far overhead on the outstretched limbs of trees older than you, creating a lightshow of sun beams bouncing from cloud to earth and back again. —Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026

How to view the aurora borealis in Iowa During times of high geomagnetic activity, which pushes the northern lights further south, the aurora will be visible directly overhead in the northern United States, according to the prediction center. —Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 18 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

The lack of on-site staff means much lower overhead costs. —Tara Molina, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Noun

In San Francisco, participating businesses can get their feet wet with a three-month pop-up to test the waters in a high-traffic location with low financial overhead and technical support from SF New Deal and the mayor’s office. —Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026

Kansas City-area fireworks supplier Wald Fireworks, based in the metro since 1924, sets up cannons in the overhead of the arena the night before the championship. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026

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