adj
Common
overhead
OH-vuh-hehd
Overhead (adj) means Positioned above, especially above one's head. Example: “Please do not leave bags in the overhead locker during take-off.”
adj
1
Positioned above, especially above one's head.
"Please do not leave bags in the overhead locker during take-off."
"The overhead cables were covered in frost this morning."
"An overhead light flickered in the empty hallway."
noun
1
The ongoing costs of running a business that aren't tied to a specific product or service.
"Cutting overhead is hard when the office rent keeps going up."
"The bakery's overhead includes insurance, electricity and the cost of cleaning."
"Rent and utilities make up most of the shop's overhead."
adv
1
Above, in the sky or at a higher level.
"Dark clouds gathered overhead just as we started the picnic."
"A plane roared overhead and the children covered their ears."
"A hawk circled overhead."
How to use overhead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither something positioned above, or (in business) the background running costs of an operation.
Common pairings
overhead costs
overhead light
reduce overhead
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Word forms
- Plural
- overheads
- Comparative
- more overhead
- Superlative
- most overhead
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Please do not leave bags in the _____ locker during take-off.
Etymology
From Old English oferhēafod, "over the head," from over- + head.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
subsurface
surface
Related words
Rhymes for overhead
See all rhymes for overhead →Frequently asked questions
What does “overhead” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “overhead”?
“Overhead” is pronounced OH-vuh-hehd (/ˈəʊvəˌhɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “overhead” in a sentence?
Here is “overhead” used in a sentence: “An overhead light flickered in the empty hallway.”
What part of speech is “overhead”?
Depending on how it is used, “overhead” can be an adjective, a noun and an adverb.
Where does the word “overhead” come from?
The word “overhead” comes from Old English. From Old English oferhēafod, "over the head," from over- + head.
Is “overhead” a common word?
“Overhead” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “overhead” have?
“Overhead” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: positioned above, especially above one's head.
What is the difference between 'overhead' and 'overheads'?
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.'
What is the difference between 'overhead' and 'above'?
'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.'
What are 'overheads' in a business budget?
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.
How is 'overhead' used as an adjective versus an adverb?
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.'
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