overhead

1 of 3

adverb

over·​head ˌō-vər-ˈhed How to pronounce overhead (audio)
Synonyms of overheadnext
: 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

Synonyms of overhead

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Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Ingenuity’s range was limited by a requirement to communicate through a base station on the Perseverance rover, while SkyFall will be capable of transmitting and receiving data through communications relay orbiters flying overhead. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 Crane your neck to gawk at the sweeping ceiling murals overhead. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Utilities that lobbied for the change argued that compensating rooftop solar at a higher rate meant that people without solar panels were disproportionately paying the costs of maintaining the overhead lines that everyone uses. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Swap harsh overhead lighting for warm lamps to instantly create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
For a generation that expects tools to be immediately applicable, engaging with content that has no obvious line to today's work feels like institutional overhead. — James Glover, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Under the constant churn of relief helicopters from overhead, the families in this community are now reliant on aid arriving from the capital Kathmandu to survive. — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overhead

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th 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 14th century

Phrases Containing overhead

Rhymes for overhead

See All Rhymes for overhead

Browse Nearby Words

overhauler
overhead
overhead fire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhead. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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