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
Synonyms
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
Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
The outcome was not a surprise and likely won't be a factor in determining who wins the presidential race overall.
—Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Copy Garner by layering this plaid button-down under a pair of fall-friendly overalls, or style it as a standalone top or lightweight jacket.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
The company continues to focus on returning to overall profitability and is pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen long-term profitability.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overall 
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
The 49ers drafted Pearsall No. 31 overall in April’s NFL Draft out of Florida.
—Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
The outcome was not a surprise and likely won't be a factor in determining who wins the presidential race overall.
—Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
Dickinson had 13 points in 18 playoff games last season before he was drafted 11th overall by the Sharks in June.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Copy Garner by layering this plaid button-down under a pair of fall-friendly overalls, or style it as a standalone top or lightweight jacket.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Our first test is UL's PCMark 10, which simulates a variety of real-world productivity and office workflows to measure overall system performance and also includes a storage subtest for the primary drive.
—PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
The company continues to focus on returning to overall profitability and is pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen long-term profitability.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overall
Dictionary Entries Near overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share