over one's head; aloft; up in the air or sky, especially near the zenith: There was a cloud overhead.
so as to be completely submerged or deeply involved: to plunge overhead in water; to sink overhead in debt.
adjective
situated, operating, or passing above, aloft, or over the head: an overhead sprinkler system.
of or relating to the general cost of running a business: overhead expenses; an overhead charge.
noun
the general, fixed cost of running a business, as rent, lighting, and heating expenses, which cannot be charged or attributed to a specific product or part of the work operation.
Accounting. that part of manufacturing costs for which cost per unit produced is not readily assignable.
(in a hoistway) the distance between the last floor level served and the beam supporting the hoisting sheaves or machinery.
(in racket sports) a stroke in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with a downward motion from above the head; smash.
an overhead compartment, shelf, etc.: Pillows are in the overhead above each passenger's seat.
Also called overhead shot .Movies, Television. a shot in which the camera is positioned above the actors, especially directly overhead.
a ceiling light in a room: Turn off the overheads when you leave.
Also called overhead projector.a projector capable of projecting images above and behind the person operating it, thus allowing a lecturer or speaker to remain facing the audience while using it.
Also called overhead projection.a picture or image projected in this manner: a lecture enhanced with overheads.
Origin of overhead
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at over-, head
Whether you’re a late-night reader or prefer to illuminate your room without any overhead bulbs, a lamp can provide a function and be a creature comfort.
Bedside table lamps to brighten your sleep space|PopSci Commerce Team|September 15, 2020|Popular Science
For example, new software could give astronomers a heads up for when and where satellites are expected to pass overhead.
We also dispatch personnel to substations to assess and repair any issues that arise during the day, and utilize overhead and underground crews to assess and repair any issues.
Astronomers would peer through an eyepiece to guide the telescope by hand, keeping up with the stars as they spun by overhead.
Social Distancing From the Stars|Emily Levesque|August 11, 2020|Quanta Magazine
The company said it increased marketing investment by 270 basis points — or around $480 million — though this increase was partially offset by 230 basis points of overhead and marketing expense savings.
How the world’s biggest advertisers are spending (or not) as the pandemic grinds on|Lara O'Reilly|August 3, 2020|Digiday
Bulbs strung among branches in the overhead wild hibiscus tree form a radiant canopy.
A Magical Meal at Louie’s Backyard in the Conch Republic|Jane & Michael Stern|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On shorter routes, overhead electrical wires began to provide the juice.
Diesel Trains May Soon Use Natural Gas Instead|The Daily Beast|May 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a typical day, he has to spend 14 hours on the job to make enough money to cover his overhead and earn a profit.
Stop Whining About Uber’s Surge Pricing|Daniel Gross|December 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The police were overhead in a helicopter trying to persuade the young man to come down.
The Marine and His Cousin the Firefighter|Maurice Emerson Decaul|September 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
An overhead view of a model walking the runway at the Project Runway Spring 2014 fashion show.
NYFW Photo of the Day: Sept. 6||September 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Overhead and round him were the quiet hills and the green fields.
The Three Devils: Luther's, Milton's, and Goethe's|David Masson
Overhead the scud was flying with more wind than we could feel, and we had cause to be anxious.
A Sea Queen's Sailing|Charles Whistler
In the comparative silence of this deserted cavern, now, there were also the blurred sounds from overhead.
Astounding Stories, July, 1931|Various
The land might be situated in one or two localities, but not profitably in more, because of the increase in overhead expenses.
A Stake in the Land|Peter Alexander Speek
Overhead the stars began to show, the air was cutting; it bit with frost.
Waysiders|Seumas O'Kelly
British Dictionary definitions for overhead
overhead
adjective (ˈəʊvəˌhɛd)
situated or operating above head height or some other reference level
(prenominal)inclusivethe overhead price included meals
adverb (ˌəʊvəˈhɛd)
over or above head height, esp in the sky
noun (ˈəʊvəˌhɛd)
a stroke in racket games played from above head height
(as modifier)an overhead smash
nauticalthe interior lining above one's head below decks in a vessel
short for overhead door
(modifier)of, concerned with, or resulting from overheadsoverhead costs
All costs of running a business other than wages paid to production workers or payments for raw material to be used in production. Overhead includes the cost of renting or leasing a store in which business is transacted, the cost of heating a factory, and similar expenses.