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.
Its magnesium case flat-six was also overhauled and its running gears rebuilt. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 May 2025 Poles and Johnson have overhauled the coaching staff. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 The Texas Senate voted unanimously on Thursday to overhaul the state's lottery system, passing legislation that dismantles the Texas Lottery Commission and shifts oversight to a different state agency, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Enhanced Typography This may sound initially underwhelming, but Material 3 Expressive is overhauling Android's typography by introducing new type styles to make the OS more legible and attractive. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 15 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Overhaul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhaul. Accessed 22 May. 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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