over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed 
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
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
Synonyms
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
Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2024
During the rock band's Saviors Tour stop at Detroit's Comerica Park on Sept. 4, members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool abruptly exited the stage as an unauthorized drone flew overhead — and the incident could result in a large fine for the device's operator.
—Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024
David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
Based on both the bootleg merch stalls around the Loop and the overhead drone footage of the audience, Roan has become the de facto owner of the pink cowboy hat, whose previous keepers were Harry Styles and Barbie.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2024
Tony Bradley, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Paramount can no longer justify carrying that much overhead for assets that are melting ice cubes – still profitable now, but shrinking rather than growing.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhead 
Adverb
Birds tend to fly overhead during the daytime, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2024
During the rock band's Saviors Tour stop at Detroit's Comerica Park on Sept. 4, members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool abruptly exited the stage as an unauthorized drone flew overhead — and the incident could result in a large fine for the device's operator.
—Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Plenty of overhead cover is also incorporated to give protection against drop drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
Based on both the bootleg merch stalls around the Loop and the overhead drone footage of the audience, Roan has become the de facto owner of the pink cowboy hat, whose previous keepers were Harry Styles and Barbie.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2024
Noun
The result is a seamless workflow where developers can focus on innovation, knowing that their infrastructure will automatically adapt to new requirements without additional overhead.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Paramount can no longer justify carrying that much overhead for assets that are melting ice cubes – still profitable now, but shrinking rather than growing.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhead
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overhead.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overhead
Cite this Entry
“Overhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhead. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhead
1 of 3 adverb
over·head
ˌō-vər-ˈhed
: above one's head : aloft
geese flying overhead
overhead
2 of 3 adjective
over·head
ˈō-vər-ˌhed
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
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
: business expenses (as rent or insurance) not chargeable to a particular part of the work or product
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share