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
CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Petruzzo’s appointment at Alo not only reflects the brand’s ambition in transitioning from a leader in the activewear space to a multicategory luxury label, but also the growing heat surrounding the wellness category overall.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Jan. 2026
Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Kipperman’s goal helped Nauset continue their torrid streak of four wins in a row after starting the season slowly out of the gates at 1-5 overall.
—Brian Fabry, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Plagued by inconsistent play, UALR finished the regular season 19-32 overall and 8-16 in conference play.
—Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
Sourdif has six goals in his last six games and nine this season overall.
—CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Petruzzo’s appointment at Alo not only reflects the brand’s ambition in transitioning from a leader in the activewear space to a multicategory luxury label, but also the growing heat surrounding the wellness category overall.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
He's won four Golden Globe awards in his career to date, and this latest nod marks his 14th overall.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Kipperman’s goal helped Nauset continue their torrid streak of four wins in a row after starting the season slowly out of the gates at 1-5 overall.
—Brian Fabry, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Senior Kai Carlson had a clutch basket and rebound down the stretch for the Dons, who improved to 14-7 overall and 2-1 in league play.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Plagued by inconsistent play, UALR finished the regular season 19-32 overall and 8-16 in conference play.
—Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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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