all-around

adjective

ˌȯl-ə-ˈrau̇nd 

variants or less commonly all-round

ˈȯl-ˈrau̇nd 

1

: considered in or encompassing all aspects : comprehensive

the best all-around performance so far

2

: competent in many fields

an all-around performer

3

: having general utility or merit

an all-around tool

all around adverb

Synonyms

• all-purpose
• catholic
• general
• general-purpose
• unlimited
• unqualified
• unrestricted
• unspecialized

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

an all-around garden rake that adjusts for any raking task, from raking lawns to delicate flower beds

this saw has the top rating for all-around performance, but for small detail work it might not be your best choice

an all-around player, as skilled on the pitcher's mound as he is at the batting plate

Recent Examples on the Web

Sol is insightful, magnetic, and an all-around inspiring person. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Lots of contributing factors could be the reason for the recent WNBA success in viewership including star power, increased streaming coverage and game accessibility, a long-term investment by Nike, and an all-around investment in the culture of women's sports. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Sure, the series’ innovative animation style cost the streamer a lot to produce, but the show has been widely celebrated as an all-around success for video game adaptations in television. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2024

While not as good of an all-around hitter as Soto, Santander hit 44 homers last season. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

all-around

adjective

ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd

variants also all-round

1

: considered as a whole or including all parts

the best all-around performance so far

2

: good in many fields

an all-around athlete

3

: having general usefulness

all-around tools

all around adverb