Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: in view of all the circumstances or conditions
overall, the sale was a success
b
: as a whole : generally
doesn't do as well overall
overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power—
Time
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
b
usually overalls
: trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2
chiefly British
: a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
Examples of overall in a Sentence
Adverb
He made a few mistakes but did well overall.
Overall, the project was successful.
Adjective
your overall score after two rounds
His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.
Your overall health is sound.
She likes the overall quality of the product.
The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2025
This year, the administration says encounters overall are at record low levels.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025
Las Culturistas Culture Awards made their debut earlier this year on Bravo and Peacock, and their 2026 pickup will mark the second consecutive year the network will televise the event and the fifth year overall of the award show.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 15 Nov. 2025
Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 14 Nov. 2025
Although the trend borrows heavily from Ralph Lauren's holiday collections and overall aesthetic, the phrase Ralph Lauren Christmas really cemented itself online in late 2025.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
So while pomegranates may have more antioxidants overall in a test tube, blueberries may offer antioxidants that are more accessible and beneficial in everyday eating.
—Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2025
This year, the administration says encounters overall are at record low levels.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Bears are 7-3 overall and 5-1 in CUSA.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025
Las Culturistas Culture Awards made their debut earlier this year on Bravo and Peacock, and their 2026 pickup will mark the second consecutive year the network will televise the event and the fifth year overall of the award show.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 15 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Dennis McKelvey, a parent of a junior at Hall, said she was frustrated with the overall lack of communication from the district.
—Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 14 Nov. 2025
Although the trend borrows heavily from Ralph Lauren's holiday collections and overall aesthetic, the phrase Ralph Lauren Christmas really cemented itself online in late 2025.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overall
1 of 2 adverb
over·all
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall
overall
2 of 2 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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