overall

UK: adverb: /ˌəʊvərˈɔːl/, adjective: /ˈəʊvərɔːl/

US: /adv. ˈoʊvərˈɔl; adj., n. ˈoʊvərˌɔl/

US: (adv. ō′vər ôl′; adj., n. ō′vər ôl′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

o•ver•all /adv. ˈoʊvərˈɔl; adj., n. ˈoʊvərˌɔl/   adj., adv. 

1. from one end or limit to the other:
   The overall length is 15 feet. The computer takes up three square feet overall.
2. covering or including everything:
   The overall pattern is one of growth and success. Overall, things have become better.

n. [countable]

3. Clothing overalls, [plural]
   • loose, sturdy trousers, usually having a bib with attached shoulder straps, originally worn over other trousers to protect them while working.
   • long waterproof leggings.
4. Clothing, British Terms [Brit.] a smock or loose-fitting housedress.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

o•ver•all  (adv. ō′vər ôl′;adj., n. ō′vər ôl′), adv., adj. 

1. from one extreme limit of a thing to the other:
   the overall length of the bridge.
2. covering or includingeverything:
   an overall impression; to view something overall.

n. 

3. Clothing overalls, (used with a pl. v.)
   • 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.
   • long waterproof leggings.
4. Clothing, British Terms [Brit.] a smock or loose-fitting housedress.

• bef. 1000; Middle English overal (adverb, adverbial), Old English ofer eall; see over, all

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

overall adjective / ˈəʊvərˌɔːl/(prenominal)

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

adverb / ˌəʊvərˈɔːl/

1. in general; on the whole

noun / ˈəʊvərˌɔːl/

1. a protective work garment usually worn over ordinary clothes