overall

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overalls

(The adjective and adverb are pronounced [[t]o͟ʊvərɔ͟ːl[/t]]. The noun is pronounced [[t]o͟ʊvərɔːl[/t]].)

1) ADJ: ADJ n You use overall to indicate that you are talking about a situation in general or about the whole of something.

...the overall rise in unemployment...

Cut down your overall amount of physical activity...

It is usually the woman who assumes overall care of the baby.

ADV: ADV with cl

Overall is also an adverb.

Overall, I like Connie. I think she's great... Overall I was disappointed... The college has few ways to assess the quality of education overall.

2) N-PLURAL: also a pair of N Overalls consist of a single piece of clothing that combines trousers and a jacket. You wear overalls over your clothes in order to protect them while you are working.

...workers in blue overalls.

3) N-PLURAL: also a pair of N Overalls are trousers that are attached to a piece of cloth which covers your chest and which has straps going over your shoulders. [AM]

An elderly man dressed in faded overalls took the witness stand.

(in BRIT, use dungarees)

4) N-COUNT An overall is a piece of clothing shaped like a coat that you wear over your clothes in order to protect them while you are working. [BRIT]