overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: above one's head : aloft

overhead

2 of 3

adjective

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
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

overhead

3 of 3

noun

over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
1
: business expenses (such as rent, insurance, or heating) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product
2
: ceiling
especially : the ceiling of a ship's compartment
3
: a stroke in a racket game made above head height : smash

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Advertisement The park across the street, the shrubs around the station and even the California flag flying overhead all burned in the heat and flames. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 At that time, Jupiter will shine high overhead while Mars will rise in the east. Juliana Kim, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Jey Uso’s already electrifying entrance was enhanced by overhead footage, Travis Scott smoking a blunt indoors and even Michael Cole jumping on the announce table alongside Pat McAfee to yeet. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 In the venue, there are also overhead cameras offering unique views of the players lining up their shots, part of a mix of 70 visual sources producers can choose from throughout the night. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
Conte scored twice in 20 international appearances, including a stunning overhead kick against Turkey at Euro 2000. David Ferrini, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Families fall asleep to the thump of nearby airstrikes and the constant whine of an Israeli drone overhead. Raf Sanchez, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overhead 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhead was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near overhead

Cite this Entry

“Overhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhead. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhead

1 of 3 adverb
over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: above one's head : aloft
geese flying overhead

overhead

2 of 3 adjective
over·​head ˈō-vər-ˌhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
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 How to pronounce overhead (audio)
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 How to pronounce overhead (audio)
: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product

More from Merriam-Webster on overhead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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