all-around

adjective

ˌȯl-ə-ˈrau̇nd 

variants or less commonly all-round

ˈȯl-ˈrau̇nd 

1

: considered in or encompassing all aspects : comprehensive

the best all-around performance so far

2

: competent in many fields

an all-around performer

3

: having general utility or merit

an all-around tool

all around adverb

Synonyms

• all-purpose
• catholic
• general
• general-purpose
• unlimited
• unqualified
• unrestricted
• unspecialized

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

an all-around garden rake that adjusts for any raking task, from raking lawns to delicate flower beds

this saw has the top rating for all-around performance, but for small detail work it might not be your best choice

an all-around player, as skilled on the pitcher's mound as he is at the batting plate

Recent Examples on the Web

Paired with the Pattern Blow Dryer (which comes with other attachments like the Concentrator Nozzle and Wide Tooth Comb), this diffuser offers an all-around premium styling experience for natural hair lovers. —Erin Parker, Allure, 4 Dec. 2024

Suni Lee captivated the world’s attention last summer at the Olympic Games in Paris as an unstoppable gymnast, who, alongside her teammates, clinched the gold medal in the all-around competition. —Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

Even layers lead to an all-around level cake, which makes stacking and frosting your layer cake much easier. —Molly Bolton, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024

The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his career and one of the best all-around seasons for any player in 2024. —Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

all-around

adjective

ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd

variants also all-round

1

: considered as a whole or including all parts

the best all-around performance so far

2

: good in many fields

an all-around athlete

3

: having general usefulness

all-around tools

all around adverb