overalls
overalls Lexical Profile
overalls Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American Loose-fitting trousers, typically made of sturdy denim or canvas, with a connected bib covering the chest and adjustable straps worn over the shoulders.
"The carpenter wore heavy denim overalls with plenty of pockets to hold his measuring tape and pencils."
British A loose-fitting, one-piece protective garment with long sleeves and trouser legs, worn over ordinary clothes during manual or messy work.
"The mechanic zipped up his grease-stained overalls before sliding underneath the car."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, "overalls" specifically refers to trousers with a chest bib and shoulder straps (called "dungarees" in British English), whereas in British English, "overalls" refers to a full-length, one-piece protective work suit (called "coverall" or "boiler suit" in North America).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Attested from the early 18th century as the plural of the noun "overall," formed from "over" + "all" to denote an outer garment worn "over all" other clothing for protection against dirt and wear.