overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
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 powerTime
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 How to pronounce overall (audio)
1
a
overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz How to pronounce overall (audio) 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

Illustration of overall
  • overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Among the 134 teams playing in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision only 11.9% — 16 programs overall — have Black head coaches. NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025 The Shoshone tribe has its share of violent warriors, but overall they’re portrayed as brave and honorable people who simply want to be left alone by all the white settlers, Mormon or otherwise. Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
Green Bay was 4-3 against the spread on the road and 9-8 overall. The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 Zach Wilson, whom the Jets drafted No. 2 overall in 2021, is the Denver Broncos’ third-string quarterback and did not take a snap this season. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The Blue Jays originally drafted Hoffman as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, but traded him to Colorado in the deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025 By taking a holistic view of a patient’s circumstances, nurse practitioners can advocate for systemic solutions that improve the overall quality of life. Ann Marie P. Mauro, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for overall 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overall was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near overall

Cite this Entry

“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb
over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on overall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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