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
Maximum elevation refers to the spacecraft's highest angle above the horizon, with 90° being directly overhead. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Picture two companies with identical growth and identical spending on sales, research and overhead, differing only in gross margin. — Mala Ramakrishnan, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
To ensure quality education, Pendleton wants to cut taxes, reduce overhead spending, give parents more school choice choices via education savings accounts and vouchers, and pay teachers more. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026 Resilience should be evaluated as an investment rather than dismissed as overhead or a hedge. — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
In my experience as a founder and CEO, when HR teams are buried under procedural noise and compliance overhead, strategic talent development tends to evaporate. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Coker said his priorities include shifting resources from unnecessary administration overhead and toward teacher compensation and student instruction. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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