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

The Richat Structure spans around 31 miles (50 km) across, large enough to be a clear landmark for astronauts passing overhead. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Those shimmering colors appear when those particles interact with the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere, creating a glow that can stretch 50 to 300 miles overhead. —Evan Moore december 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025

Adjective

Online banks, thanks to lower overhead maintenance costs that banks with physical branches have, are often able to pass on those savings to account holders in the form of higher interest rates. —Courtney Mikulski, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The most dramatic change is the absence of overhead bins—and the inevitable game of luggage Tetris that comes with them. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2025

Noun

The squat engages your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core; the overhead reach activates your arms and shoulders; and the calf raise targets the calves. —Jenny McCoy, Outside, 21 Nov. 2025

High pressure overhead will finally bring lots of sunshine to the Twin Cities to wrap up the work week. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 21 Nov. 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