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
However, drinking okra water daily would offer hydration benefits, as research shows that increasing your water intake overall supports hydrated skin and can improve a complexion.10 3. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025 Opponents are shooting just 37 percent in clutch minutes, and New York is absolutely dominating second-half play overall. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
After drafting quarterback Peyton Manning No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, the Colts finished with a record of 143-81 from 1998 to 2011. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 The Rays have also struggled greatly at Steinbrenner Field (11-18) and entered play Tuesday 21-26 overall, though those who occupy the home clubhouse have an unwavering belief that sunnier days are on the way as the heat of summer beckons. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
Arkansas earned the No. 4 overall seed for the NCAA Softball Tournament and will host a regional that includes (2) Oklahoma State, (3) Indiana and (4) Saint Louis. Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025 The overall margin of sampling error is +/- 4.0 percentage points. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 11 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 26 May. 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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