allover

1 of 4

adjective

all·​over ˈȯl-ˌō-vər 

: covering the whole extent or surface

a sweater with an allover pattern

allover

2 of 4

noun

1

: an embroidered, printed, or lace fabric with a design covering most of the surface

2

: a pattern or design in which a single unit is repeated so as to cover an entire surface

all over

3 of 4

adverb

1

: over the whole extent

decorated all over with a flower pattern

2

: everywhere

looked all over for the book

3

: in every respect : thoroughly

she is her mother all over

see also:

all over the map

all over

4 of 4

preposition

1

informal : in eagerly affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of (someone or something)

the band's fans were all over them

2

informal : very critical of (someone) in usually an angry or unreasonable way

the press was all over the coach after the loss

Synonyms of allover

Adverb

• everywhere
• all over the place
• far and near
• in every corner
• on all hands

Examples of allover in a Sentence

Adjective

a rug with an allover pattern

Adverb

I've looked all over—even outside—and I can't find my other shoe.

his writing style is his mentor's all over

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The venerated Oscar-winning, 88-year-old actress and activist wore a long-sleeve maxidress with twisted fabric at the base of the neckline and allover sparkle embellished into the fabric. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Crafted from rigid denim with an allover floral garden print, the jacket ($150) features a faux leather collar, long sleeves and a full-zip front closure, while the matching jeans ($80) include a classic five-pocket design and an embroidered Met logo on the left leg. — Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 19 Dec. 2025

Noun

The 53-year-old model wore a black dress with allover sequins, long sleeves and a plunging neckline with a thigh-high front slit. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Now, for the first time ever, my natural hair looks beachy, with a slight wave, allover texture, and very little frizz. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Wearing rubber gloves, use a sponge to spread the mixture all over the bottom of the oven. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Netflix content is all over town this week and later today execs will speak about its anime offering. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 June 2026

Preposition

Because the staff has come from areas all over Mexico, the menu is really special and takes you on a culinary journey from Puebla to Michoacan. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

That also means scary movies and specials all over streaming. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1771, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for allover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

allover

1 of 3 adjective

all·​over

ˈȯ-ˌlō-vər

: covering the whole surface of something

a sweater with an allover pattern

all over

2 of 3 adverb

: everywhere

all over

3 of 3 preposition

informal

1

: in very affectionate, attentive, or aggressive pursuit of

the band's fans were all over them

2

: in or into a state marked by all-out criticism of

reporters were all over the coach after the loss