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
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Alex Sarr, who the Wizards took second overall out of France in 2024, will look to take steps forward, while veterans like D’Angelo Russell will also play a role.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Drafted 77th overall, McClellan is projected to anchor the nose tackle position in the new 3-4 scheme, with coaches praising his versatility, size, and advanced football IQ as a potential difference-maker.
—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Last year alone, the stand raised more than $17,000, bringing the overall total to more than $88,000 before this year's event.
—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adverb
Wagler is the franchise’s highest pick since the Clippers took Blake Griffin first overall in 2009.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Alex Sarr, who the Wizards took second overall out of France in 2024, will look to take steps forward, while veterans like D’Angelo Russell will also play a role.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
Noun
Last week, Ohio became the 23rd state overall and seventh over the last six months to sanction girls’ flag football.
—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Drafted 77th overall, McClellan is projected to anchor the nose tackle position in the new 3-4 scheme, with coaches praising his versatility, size, and advanced football IQ as a potential difference-maker.
—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Adjective
Both butter and margarine contain nutrients that can support overall health.
—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Last year alone, the stand raised more than $17,000, bringing the overall total to more than $88,000 before this year's event.
—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
24 June 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 5 Jul. 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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