over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed 
1
a
: operating, lying, or coming from above
b
: having the driving part above the part driven
valves operated by an overhead camshaft
2
: of or relating to overhead
overhead costs
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
Examples of overhead in a Sentence
Adverb
A chandelier hung directly overhead.
People were making noise in the balcony overhead.
Noun
Her company has very little overhead.
Recent Examples on the Web
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Or, close your eyes, reach your arms overhead and lift up on the tippy toes of both feet.
—Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
My carry-on suitcase easily fit in a corner of the suite; deluxe cabins have an overhead luggage rack.
—Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 10 Apr. 2025
Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
According to the listing, the monthlies are just $500 because there’s no underlying mortgage, which means low overhead in the event of a recession!
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhead
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Adverb
There are plenty of ways to make the most of your landscape, from cozy firepits to sit-and-stay-awhile benches to garden beds and twinkly string lights overhead.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Or, close your eyes, reach your arms overhead and lift up on the tippy toes of both feet.
—Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
My carry-on suitcase easily fit in a corner of the suite; deluxe cabins have an overhead luggage rack.
—Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
This means cultivating high-performance teams with minimal overhead.
—Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
According to the listing, the monthlies are just $500 because there’s no underlying mortgage, which means low overhead in the event of a recession!
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhead
Cite this Entry
“Overhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhead. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhead
1 of 3 adverb
over·head
ˌō-vər-ˈhed
: above one's head : aloft
geese flying overhead
overhead
2 of 3 adjective
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
1
: operating or lying above
an overhead door
2
: of or relating to business expense
overhead
3 of 3 noun
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
1
: general business expenses (as rent, heat, or insurance)
2
: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash
Legal Definition
overhead
noun
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product
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