overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

a

: operating, lying, or coming from above

b

: having the driving part above the part driven

valves operated by an overhead camshaft

2

: of or relating to overhead

overhead costs

overhead

3 of 3

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: business expenses (such as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product

2

: ceiling

especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment

3

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Synonyms

Adverb

• above
• aloft
• over

Examples of overhead in a Sentence

Adverb

A chandelier hung directly overhead.

People were making noise in the balcony overhead.

Noun

Her company has very little overhead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

There are plenty of ways to make the most of your landscape, from cozy firepits to sit-and-stay-awhile benches to garden beds and twinkly string lights overhead. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

Or, close your eyes, reach your arms overhead and lift up on the tippy toes of both feet. —Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025

Adjective

The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025

Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025

Noun

Our cod wrangling and cliff ogling was interrupted a moment later by a formidable shape winging overhead, followed by a loud splash. —Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

According to the listing, the monthlies are just $500 because there’s no underlying mortgage, which means low overhead in the event of a recession! —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overhead

• overhead projector

Rhymes for overhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed 

: above one's head : aloft

geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: operating or lying above

an overhead door

2

: of or relating to business expense

overhead

3 of 3 noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

1

: general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)

2

: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

Legal Definition

overhead

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed 

: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product