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

International recruitment has also fallen, with overall visa applications down by about 16% this year, and 20% fewer applications from India alone.

From BBC

Ohora says the overall goal is that “everyone can learn but in the funnest and fuzziest way possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the fourth quarter, the company brought in overall revenue of $22.6 billion, an increase of 6% compared with the prior year.

From Los Angeles Times

Overall, those factors are reasons the planning department expects most new units to be built in commercial zones even if most parcels subject to incentives would be in residential multifamily neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times

The state plans to return some funding deferred last year, but the overall reduction will amount to 5.6%, or more than $270 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term