variants or less commonly all-round
1
: considered in or encompassing all aspects : comprehensive
the best all-around performance so far
2
: competent in many fields
an all-around performer
3
: having general utility or merit
an all-around tool
all around adverb

Examples of all-around in a Sentence

an all-around garden rake that adjusts for any raking task, from raking lawns to delicate flower beds this saw has the top rating for all-around performance, but for small detail work it might not be your best choice an all-around player, as skilled on the pitcher's mound as he is at the batting plate
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gimme Five The Mets’ Francisco Lindor on switch hitting The Mets’ Francisco Lindor is already one of the most accomplished all-around switch hitters in major league history. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The odds remain against them — only 16.1% of teams have overcome a 3-2 deficit in NBA playoff history — but the Knicks are coming off their best all-around performance of the series. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Strange as this sounds: Theaster Gates, the renowned, longtime Chicago artist, sculptor, community developer, collector, painter and all-around renaissance man. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 But the White Sox’s offense came alive on Wednesday — and cashed in multiple Mets miscues — on an all-around dreary day at Citi Field for the home team. Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for all-around

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of all-around was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“All-around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-around. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

all-around

adjective
ˌȯ-lə-ˈrau̇nd
variants also all-round
1
: considered as a whole or including all parts
the best all-around performance so far
2
: good in many fields
an all-around athlete
3
: having general usefulness
all-around tools
all around adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on all-around

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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