Definition of "overall" []

• From one end to the other: the overall length of the house. (adjective)
• Including everything; comprehensive: the overall costs of medical care. (adjective)
• Regarded as a whole; general: My overall impression was favorable. (adjective)
• On the whole; generally: enjoyed the performance overall. (adverb)
• Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But she stood by what she called her "overall thesis" about Limbaugh—that he uses racially charged rhetoric about Obama—and played several recent clips of the talk show host to prove her point."
• "The Israeli leader said while there are differences "here and there," there is what he called an overall direction for the U.S. and Israel to pursue what he called a "peace that is defensible" between Israel and Palestinians."
• "He complained about lack of maintenance, unreasonable lease requirements and what he described as overall shoddy treatment."