DictionaryAI

overall

Sayoh-vur-AWLUS/ˌoʊvɚˈɔl/UK/ˌəʊvəɹˈɔːl/
As a nounOH-vur-awl

Noun pluraloveralls

4 meanings of overall

Practice

  1. 1
    of the wholeadjective
    Taking in or applying to every part; total and general rather than partial.

    The overall design of the building emphasizes natural light.

    They were pleased with the overall outcome of the negotiations.

    UsageUsually before a noun: the overall cost, an overall view, overall health.

    Similargeneral, total, whole, comprehensive, global

    Oppositepartial, specific, particular

    Note

    Mid-century writing shows the adjective in its usual sense of taking in a whole system at once. Hancock and Gowing's British War Economy (1949) argues that a controlled economy makes sense only with "some overall view" of the bodies directing it.

  2. 2
    all in alladverb
    Taking all the parts and details together; in general terms.

    Overall, the company performed well despite a difficult quarter.

    The reviews were mixed, but the film was, overall, a success.

    UsageUsually at the start, followed by a comma (Overall, …), or between commas in mid-sentence. Before a noun, the overall result is the adjective.

    Similargenerally, altogether, broadly

  3. 3
    bib work pantsnounUSusually plural
    A work garment with a built-in chest panel held up by shoulder straps, worn for manual labor.

    He buttoned the side of his overalls and grabbed his toolbox.

    One overall strap had frayed where it crossed his shoulder.

    UsageTreated like trousers: his overalls are muddy, a pair of overalls. Alone, the singular is mainly a modifier: an overall strap.

    Similardungarees

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    nounBritishcountable
    A loose coat or one-piece suit worn over other clothes to protect them, such as a work coat or a boiler suit.

    The factory issued each new hire a blue overall on the first day.

    Mechanics often keep a spare set of overalls in their lockers.

    UsageCan be singular: an overall, a blue overall. In American English the word is usually overalls, the bib garment.

    Similarcoverall, smock

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English 'overall', from Old English 'ofer eall' ('over all'), equivalent to 'over' + 'all'. It is related to Dutch 'overal', German 'überall', and Swedish 'överallt', all meaning 'everywhere'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 6 facts