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
Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
Not much change overall, and the forces shaping the lives of thousands of children include dysfunctional homes, instability in housing and food, weak neighborhood vitality, too much trauma in kids’ lives, too much need with too little help.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
But that’s exactly what came to fruition in their 132-108 defeat to the Suns, their first consecutive losses of the season dropping them to 19-9 overall and 4-5 in December.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025
Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026
Drafted with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft out of Duke, Flagg currently ranks first among rookies in total points (652), second in total rebounds (218), second in total assists (139), second in total steals (41) and third in total blocks (27).
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Adverb
But money isn’t the only thing that drives this two-time Pro Bowl selection, a former North Carolina State standout who was taken fifth overall in the 2018 NFL draft.
—Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
Not much change overall, and the forces shaping the lives of thousands of children include dysfunctional homes, instability in housing and food, weak neighborhood vitality, too much trauma in kids’ lives, too much need with too little help.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
Win the turnover battle The Hurricanes are a plus-11 overall in turnover margin this season, tied for the eighth-best differential in college football this season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
But that’s exactly what came to fruition in their 132-108 defeat to the Suns, their first consecutive losses of the season dropping them to 19-9 overall and 4-5 in December.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
In other words, our complexion is looking pallid, our skin is dry, and our overall appearance is just a little blah at the moment.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026
Drafted with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft out of Duke, Flagg currently ranks first among rookies in total points (652), second in total rebounds (218), second in total assists (139), second in total steals (41) and third in total blocks (27).
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
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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