overall

1 of 3

adverb

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

c

: with everyone or everything taken into account

was third overall in earnings

got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

a

overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz  plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

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

Illustration of overall

• overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl  ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

: including everything

2

: viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms of overall

Adverb

• collectively
• generally
• broadly
• all around
• all in all
• together
• altogether

Adjective

• general
• generic

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

Adverb

Last week, Seymour held KC hitless through six innings in a game at Tampa Bay — a contest in which the Royals had one hit overall, in the ninth inning. — Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Some were a little thrown off by the vegetable note, but overall, most felt like this one was a good balance of sweet and sour. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Noun

Driver Giorgio Scarlatti drove this example to a class victory and third overall in the 1957 Giro di Sicilia road race. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 July 2026

According to Pro Football Focus, Banks also ranked 39th out of 136 guards in run blocking, 77th in pass blocking and 50th overall in 2024. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Adjective

One of the bright spots for Oklahoma City was rookie guard Bennett Stirtz, whom the Thunder selected with the 16th overall pick in the recent draft — after giving up two second-round picks and making a pick-swap with the Grizzlies to do so. — Latif Love, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026

Pogačar is the overall favorite thanks to his Tour victories in 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025, as well as his strong form this year. — ABC News, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overall

• the overall scheme of things

Rhymes for overall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids 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 adjective

ˌō-və-ˈrȯl, 

ˈō-və-ˌrȯl

1

: including everything

overall expenses

2

: viewed as a whole : general