noun
Uncommon
overhaul
OH-vuh-hawl
Overhaul (noun) means a thorough repair, renovation, or revision of something. Example: “The engine needs a complete overhaul after years of use.”
noun
1
A thorough repair, renovation, or revision of something.
"The engine needs a complete overhaul after years of use."
"The company announced an overhaul of its pricing structure."
"The old kitchen is due for a total overhaul next spring."
verb
1
To repair, renovate, or revise something completely.
"Engineers overhauled the aging power grid."
"The school plans to overhaul its entire timetable before the new term."
"He spent the weekend overhauling the engine of his old motorbike."
How to use overhaul
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA complete, thorough fix or redesign, not just a small repair.
Common pairings
complete overhaul
overhaul the system
need an overhaul
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Word forms
- Plural
- overhauls
- Third person singular
- overhauls
- Past tense
- overhauled
Fill the gap
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The engine needs a complete _____ after years of use.
Etymology
From over- + haul.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for overhaul
See all rhymes for overhaul →Frequently asked questions
What does “overhaul” mean?
The word “overhaul” means a thorough repair, renovation, or revision of something. In plain terms, a complete, thorough fix or redesign, not just a small repair.
How do you pronounce “overhaul”?
“Overhaul” is pronounced OH-vuh-hawl (/ˈəʊvəˌhɔːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “overhaul” in a sentence?
Here is “overhaul” used in a sentence: “The engine needs a complete overhaul after years of use.”
What part of speech is “overhaul”?
Depending on how it is used, “overhaul” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “overhaul” a common word?
“Overhaul” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “overhaul” have?
“Overhaul” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thorough repair, renovation, or revision of something.
What is the difference between an overhaul and a repair?
An overhaul is a thorough repair, renovation, or revision of something, while a repair can be a smaller, partial fix. Overhaul implies completeness rather than addressing just one broken part.
Can overhaul be used for things other than machines?
Yes, overhaul can describe the thorough revision of systems, policies, or processes, not just physical repairs to engines or equipment.
Is an overhaul more extensive than an update?
Yes, an overhaul implies a complete repair, renovation, or revision, which is generally more extensive than a routine update.
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