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

Given to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position. —Sean Gentille, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Arman Tsarukyan 2 Predictions And Picks Makhachev and Tsarukyan have both improved since their first meeting, but the champion remains the better all-around competitor. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Duran was one of the best all-around players in the game last season. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2025

Alejandro Kirk The 26-year-old from Tijuana is two seasons removed from his only All-Star appearance, but remains one of the best all-around catchers in baseball. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

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