overhead

The word “overhead” means positioned above, especially above one's head. In plain terms, either something positioned above, or (in business) the background running costs of an operation.

“Overhead” is pronounced OH-vuh-hehd (/ˈəʊvəˌhɛd/ in IPA).

Here is “overhead” used in a sentence: “An overhead light flickered in the empty hallway.”

Depending on how it is used, “overhead” can be an adjective, a noun and an adverb.

The word “overhead” comes from Old English. From Old English oferhēafod, "over the head," from over- + head.

“Overhead” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Overhead” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: positioned above, especially above one's head.

In American English, the costs of running a business are usually called 'overhead,' treated as a single uncountable noun. In British English, these same costs are often called 'overheads' in the plural, as in 'we need to cut our overheads.'

'Above' simply indicates a higher position and can refer to anything higher than something else. 'Overhead' specifically means directly above, usually above one's head, as in 'a plane flew overhead.'

Overheads are the ongoing costs of running a business that are not tied to any single product or service, such as rent, utilities, and insurance. They continue whether or not the business makes a particular sale.

As an adjective, 'overhead' comes before a noun to describe something positioned above, such as an 'overhead light' or 'overhead cables.' As an adverb, it stands alone to say where something is, as in 'storm clouds gathered overhead.'