English · Word Candidate

overhaul

/ˈəʊvəˌhɔːl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: overhauls · overhauling · overhauled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A major repair, renovation, or revision.

Noun

Examples

The engine required a complete overhaul to run properly.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The process after the fire appears extinguished in which the firefighters search the structure for signs of hot spots that may cause the structure to reignite.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To modernize, repair, renovate, or revise completely.

Verb

Examples

While the engines are dealt with in the diesel shop, their parent locomotives are overhauled in the erecting shop.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To pass, overtake, or travel past.

Verb

Examples

An amusing incident on the first of these journeys was the checking by signal of the flyer about 3 miles out of Paris, with the result that it was overhauled by the 6.25 p.m. semi-fast from Paris to Montargis, to the unconcealed delight of passengers in the latter.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “overhaul” mean?

A major repair, renovation, or revision.

Is “overhaul” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.