Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: in view of all the circumstances or conditions
overall, the sale was a success
b
: as a whole : generally
doesn't do as well overall
overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power—
Time
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
b
usually overalls
: trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2
chiefly British
: a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
Examples of overall in a Sentence
Adverb
He made a few mistakes but did well overall.
Overall, the project was successful.
Adjective
your overall score after two rounds
His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.
Your overall health is sound.
She likes the overall quality of the product.
The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
His winning streak of eight fights overall ended in July 2024 when Charles Johnson knocked him out.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
The Rays have also struggled greatly at Steinbrenner Field (11-18) and entered play Tuesday 21-26 overall, though those who occupy the home clubhouse have an unwavering belief that sunnier days are on the way as the heat of summer beckons.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
The city also ranked highly in a number of individual metrics that contributed to its overall score, including No. 1 for its low crime rate.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
About 4 in 10 voters approve of his job as president overall.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
His winning streak of eight fights overall ended in July 2024 when Charles Johnson knocked him out.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
After drafting quarterback Peyton Manning No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, the Colts finished with a record of 143-81 from 1998 to 2011.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
The Rays have also struggled greatly at Steinbrenner Field (11-18) and entered play Tuesday 21-26 overall, though those who occupy the home clubhouse have an unwavering belief that sunnier days are on the way as the heat of summer beckons.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
Copper is utilized in electric vehicles, as well as solar and wind infrastructure, and overall electrification.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
The city also ranked highly in a number of individual metrics that contributed to its overall score, including No. 1 for its low crime rate.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overall
1 of 2 adverb
over·all
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall
overall
2 of 2 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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