overhaul

verb

over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
overhauled; overhauling; overhauls

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine thoroughly
our systems of education are being constantly overhauledSaturday Rev.
b(1)
: repair
The mechanic overhauled the engine.
(2)
: to renovate, remake, revise, or renew thoroughly
Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
2
: to haul or drag over
3
: overtake
The most imposing U.S. swimmer was overhauled by a 17-year-old Australian in the butterfly race.
overhaul noun

Examples of overhaul in a Sentence

The mechanic overhauled the car's engine. They had to overhaul their original plans. Lawmakers are overhauling the welfare program.
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.
As part of his plan, Niccol has also overhauled Starbucks’ service standards, including expanding free refills on hot and iced brewed coffee and tea to all customers. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025 In the summer of 2024, however, when Dylan went on the Outlaw Tour alongside Willie Nelson and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, the set was completely overhauled. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 The big picture: The Trump administration wants to overhaul and shrink the federal government, which employs tens of thousands in the Keystone State. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025 President Trump’s plans to overhaul immigration could reduce the ranks of workers who care for elderly and disabled people at home and in long-term care facilities as California and the country grapple with the needs of an aging population, healthcare experts and immigrant advocates say. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for overhaul 

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhaul was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near overhaul

Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhaul

verb
over·​haul ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl How to pronounce overhaul (audio)
1
: to make a thorough examination of and make necessary repairs and adjustments on
overhaul an engine
2
overhaul noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overhaul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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