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
Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 21 Aug. 2024
Since Phoenix is at a lower elevation, the high-pressure system overhead can compress air creating higher temperatures, compounding the effects of global warming and the urban heat island in the city, when buildings, roads and infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat at night.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 15 Aug. 2024
Vince Beiser, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2024
During the game that was hosted by the Chargers and took place at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, the kiss cam segment played on overhead screens in the second quarter and took viewers on an emotional roller coaster.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2024
Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024
The days of rain with only the protection of a canvas tarp overhead, or the icy water’s harsh grip during the daily early-morning plunge into the lake.
—Bruce Beehler, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhead 
Adverb
Aerial video footage shows several police arresting Richardson atop the roof with another two officers overhead on a tower ladder.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 21 Aug. 2024
Since Phoenix is at a lower elevation, the high-pressure system overhead can compress air creating higher temperatures, compounding the effects of global warming and the urban heat island in the city, when buildings, roads and infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat at night.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 15 Aug. 2024
Adjective
In 2021, the railway company Transnet reported that more than 1,000 kilometers of overhead power cables had been stolen.
—Vince Beiser, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2024
During the game that was hosted by the Chargers and took place at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, the kiss cam segment played on overhead screens in the second quarter and took viewers on an emotional roller coaster.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2024
Noun
Van den Akker even went on to find his protégé space on the fringes of the apparel district, telling him not to worry about the overhead.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024
The days of rain with only the protection of a canvas tarp overhead, or the icy water’s harsh grip during the daily early-morning plunge into the lake.
—Bruce Beehler, Baltimore Sun, 11 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 12 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
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