Overhead Definition & Meaning

overhead
adverb
  1. above your head; in the sky; "planes were flying overhead"
  2. above the head; over the head; "bring the legs together overhead"
adjective
  1. located or originating from above; "an overhead crossing"
noun
  1. the expense of maintaining property (e.g., paying property taxes and utilities and insurance); it does not include depreciation or the cost of financing or income taxes
  2. (computer science) the processing time required by a device prior to the execution of a command
  3. (computer science) the disk space required for information that is not data but is used for location and timing
  4. a transparency for use with an overhead projector
  5. (nautical) the top surface of an enclosed space on a ship
  6. a hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head

Synonyms for overhead

aerial adj

existing or living or growing or operating in the air; "aerial roots of a philodendron"; "aerial particles

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
elevated adj

raised above the ground; "an elevated platform" of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

♫ Rhymes
smash adv

with a loud crash; "the car went smash through the fence" a vigorous blow; "the sudden knock floored him

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
viewgraph noun

a transparency for use with an overhead projector

♫ Rhymes

"Overhead" in song lyrics

See how overhead is used in real songs:

  • "Cut out the middle man and eliminate the overhead"
    Akbar — Those Who Say
  • "Often overhead"
    Homeboy Sandman — Lightening Bolt. Lightening Rod.
  • "evil's allowed to shatter what you think, think, think pink, red overhead"
    Little Prince — Disappearing Act

Words that rhyme with overhead

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Usage tips for "overhead"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "overhead" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for overhead to find words that pair well.

Use "overhead" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with overhead 🔬 Words containing overhead

Frequently asked questions

What does overhead mean?
above your head; in the sky; "planes were flying overhead" above the head; over the head; "bring the legs together overhead" located or originating from above; "an overhead crossing" the expense of maintaining property (e.g., paying property taxes and utilities and insurance)
What part of speech is overhead?
Overhead is an adverb, an adjective, and a noun.
How many definitions does overhead have?
Overhead has 9 definitions across 3 parts of speech (adverb, adjective, noun).

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