overall

[ adverb oh-ver-awl; adjective noun oh-ver-awl ]

adverb

1. from one extreme limit of a thing to the other:

   the overall length of the bridge.

2. covering or including everything:

   an overall impression;

   to view something overall.

noun

1. overalls, (used with a plural verb)
   1. loose, sturdy trousers, usually with a bib or biblike piece to which shoulder straps are attached, originally worn over other trousers to protect them, as by factory workers or farmers.
   2. long waterproof leggings.
2. British. a smock or loose-fitting housedress.

overall

adjective

1. from one end to the other
2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

adverb

1. in general; on the whole

noun

1. a protective work garment usually worn over ordinary clothes
2. plural hard-wearing work trousers with a bib and shoulder straps or jacket attached

Word History and Origins

Origin of overall¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English overal (adverb), Old English ofer eall; over ( def ), all ( def )

Example Sentences

The Lakers believe they got a steal with the 17th overall pick in the draft in Dalton Knecht, who has provided a big impact when getting to start.

From Los Angeles Times

The outcome was in part a reflection of the overall swing to the right nationwide, he said, and also about a sense of “fairness.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Sparks, who had the worst record in the league last season, land second overall pick despite 44.2% chance to win the draft lottery.

From Los Angeles Times

It revealed that while 60% of the rivers studied showed declining levels of phosphorus, the overall amount of phosphorus flowing into rivers has increased.

From Science Daily

Highlights seemed less important than encounters that added up to an overall experience.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term