Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Covering the entire surface: Extending over or affecting the whole of something, without gaps or interruptions. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • Complete, total: In a more figurative sense, describing something that is thorough or pervasive.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The fabric had an allover floral print. (The pattern covered the entire piece of cloth without any blank spaces.)
  • After a week at the beach, she had an allover tan. (The tan covered her entire body uniformly.)
  • The artist applied an allover wash of blue to the canvas before adding details. (A thin, even layer of blue paint covered the whole canvas.)

Advanced Usage

• "Allover" as an adjective typically precedes and modifies a noun (e.g., pattern, design, feeling).
• It is often used in contexts related to design, fashion, textiles, and appearance to describe something that is not localized.
• In informal contexts, it can describe a pervasive feeling or state.
  • A sense of dread was allover him after hearing the news. (A feeling of dread completely affected him.)

Variants and Related Words

• All-over (adjective): This is a hyphenated variant spelling of "allover." Both forms are correct, though "allover" is often listed as a single word in modern dictionaries.
  • She preferred an all-over design for the wallpaper.
• Overall (adjective/adverb): While similar, "overall" more often refers to a general view or consideration of something as a whole, rather than a physical covering.
  • The overall performance of the team was good. (Considering everything together.)

Synonyms

• Covering: Extending over.
• Pervasive: Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people.
• Uniform: Not varying; the same in all parts and at all times.

Antonyms

• Partial: Existing only in part; incomplete.
• Localized: Restricted to a particular place or part.
• Spotty: Occurring in scattered places; not uniform or consistent.

Related Phrases

• All over the place: This is an idiom (a phrase) meaning "in many different locations" or "disorganized." It is related in concept but is a separate phrase, not a single adjective.
  • His papers were all over the place. (His papers were scattered everywhere.)
  • Her speech was all over the place. (Her speech was disorganized and jumped between topics.)

Adjective

1. covering the entire surface
   • an allover pattern
   • got an allover tan