Overhead
/ˈoʊvərhɛd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe costs of running a business, such as rent and electricity.
adjectiveLocated above your head or directly overhead.
Extra definitions
adjective; adverb; nounLocated above your head.
adjective; adverb; nounOngoing business operating costs.
adjective; adverb; nounAn amount added for general expenses.
Sentence Examples
A lamp hangs overhead.
The company reduced its overhead.
Overhead lights brightened the room.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
From Middle English owerheved, over-hed, over hede (adverb), from Old English oferhēafod (adverb), equivalent to over- + head. Compare German Low German overhoopt, överhoopt, German überhaupt. Piecewise doublet of overchief.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“The railway consists of some 18 miles of double track electrified on the overhead principle.”
— 1957 June 26, F. K. Pearson, “The Manx Electric Railway”, in Railway Magazine, page 425:
“In a city where media companies and hospitals have armed guards, this accessibility is unusual. Inside, drivers sit and chat in between shifts, the overhead fan whirring and causing the dim electric light to flicker over their faces.”
— 2017 April 6, Samira Shackle, “On the frontline with Karachi’s ambulance drivers”, in the Guardian:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
A lamp hangs ____.