overhead

noun
UK: /ˈəʊvəhed/
US: /ˈoʊvərhed/

  1. Costs of business, such as rent and utilities, that are not directly related to the production of goods or services.

    1. Our overhead is too high this year.
    2. The company needs to reduce its overhead expenses to improve profitability.

  2. A burden or something that hinders progress or enjoyment.

    1. The large project became an overhead to the team.
    2. Too much bureaucracy can act as an overhead for innovation and efficiency.

  3. The space or area above one's head; the sky.

    1. A plane flew overhead just now.
    2. We saw dark clouds gathering overhead, signaling an approaching storm.

Synonyms

expense burden cost
overhead adverb

  1. Above one's head; in the sky or upper part of a space.

    1. The birds flew overhead quickly.
    2. The bridge construction was planned overhead the existing railway line.
overhead adjective

  1. Located above; situated or placed above one's head.

    1. Look at the overhead light.
    2. The overhead compartment in the airplane was full, so I put it under seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "overhead" in English means: Costs of business, such as rent and utilities, that are not directly related to the production of goods or services., A burden or something that hinders progress or enjoyment., The space or area above one's head; the sky..

The phonetic transcription of "overhead" is /ˈəʊvəhed/ in British English and /ˈoʊvərhed/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "overhead": expense, burden, cost.

Example usage of "overhead": "Our overhead is too high this year.". More examples on the page.