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
CBS News, 19 May 2026
College graduates overall enjoy lower lifetime unemployment and higher earnings than those without degrees, who are more likely to be laid off during recessions or slowdowns.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 19 May 2026
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Central Florida location for the Great Big Game Show is the first in Florida and the 22nd overall, located just north of Icon Park.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
In general, overall deals are becoming fewer and further in-between.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adverb
The 20-year-old third baseman was selected 22nd overall and recently signed a $95 million, eight-year contract — the largest for a minor league player with no big league experience.
—CBS News, 19 May 2026
College graduates overall enjoy lower lifetime unemployment and higher earnings than those without degrees, who are more likely to be laid off during recessions or slowdowns.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Noun
His big hit improved the club to 21-6 overall and a perfect 11-0 in league play.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Central Florida location for the Great Big Game Show is the first in Florida and the 22nd overall, located just north of Icon Park.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
Xi nonetheless struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the overall relationship.
—Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
In general, overall deals are becoming fewer and further in-between.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 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 20 May. 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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