overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine thoroughly
our systems of education are being constantly overhauledSaturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
overhaul noun

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine. They had to overhaul their original plans. Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
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.
Trump’s executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry. Collin Binkley and Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The Trump White House has overhauled the Oval Office with striking new gold trimming on portrait frames and tables. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 Mellon and Duke overhauled their giving goals in accidental lockstep, with many of their changes hitting simultaneously in 2024. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025 While former President Joe Biden’s administration was relatively aggressive with antitrust lawsuits, current President Trump has dramatically overhauled the Justice Department. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhaul

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhaul was in 1705

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Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb
over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
2
overhaul noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overhaul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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