overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1

a

: to examine thoroughly

our systems of education are being constantly overhauled

—Saturday 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

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun

Synonyms

• catch
• catch up (with)
• overtake

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

Squad overhaul for the future is clearly happening. —David Ornstein, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

In the Bundesliga, there’s considerable anti-Leipzig sentiment, given the brand commercially overhauled the defunct lower league team SSV Markranstädt into one of the land’s best-performing clubs, circumventing the 50+1 fan ownership rule. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Over the past two years, the district’s practices have been overhauled. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025

Its backers are hoping that Fix Our Forests Act would overhaul the national conversation about forestry and fires, said Matt Weiner, chief executive and founder of the advocacy organization Megafire Action, which pushed for the bill. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl 

1

: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on

overhaul an engine

2

: overtake sense 1a

overhaul

ˈō-vər-ˌhȯl 

noun