overall

American  

[oh-ver-awl, oh-ver-awl] / ˈoʊ vərˈɔl, ˈoʊ vərˌɔl /

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.

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noun

1. (used with a plural verb) overalls,

   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 British  

adjective

1. from one end to the other

2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

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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

Etymology

Origin of overall

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

Example Sentences

Nike’s overall quarterly sales of $11.3 billion beat Wall Street expectations, with sales ticking up in North America and Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both participants and their doctors noted better overall functioning, improved work performance, and greater ability to manage daily tasks.

From Science Daily

The UK government's messaging, while gloomy about the overall situation, is in starkly different place.

From BBC

Because these parasites depend on multiple species to survive, their presence can reflect the overall strength of the marine ecosystem.

From Science Daily

Colombia will be confident of a strongshowing after a good South American qualifying campaign in which they beat both Brazil and Argentina as they finished third overall.

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term