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.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, is suing the Trump administration for its sweeping executive order that aims to overhaul U.S. elections, including requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Nidia Cavazos, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025 Congress must completely and totally overhaul the agency. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Such systems are now being deployed by large enterprises and small businesses, completely overhauling organizational structure. Aamish Ahmad Beg, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Senate Bill 1 will put Ohio in the spotlight amid a conservative push to overhaul public education at all levels. Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 28 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 3 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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