Overalls

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈoʊvəɹɔːlz/

Definitions

1. A functional piece of clothing that covers the lower body and includes straps over the shoulders, often worn for protection and practicality during work tasks
2. A garment combining trousers and a bib with shoulder straps, designed to protect clothes underneath during manual activities
3. One-piece outerwear covering the legs and chest secured by shoulder straps, commonly used for work or casual wear

Etymology: The garment is named for a phrase that once meant "everywhere." Its root is Old English "ofer eall" or "ofer ealle," literally "over all," and the same construction survives in several Germanic languages: Dutch "overal" and German "überall" both still mean "everywhere." The singular "overall" began as an adverb describing something covering the whole of a surface or area, and only later became a noun for a garment worn over other clothes. The plural "overalls" is the form of that noun, referring to a pair of trousers with a bib and straps, which are worn over ordinary clothing to protect it. The word's meaning has thus shifted from a place-description to a piece of clothing, and the garment's name still carries that sense of coverage: something worn all over the rest of your clothes.

Synonyms: dungarees, coveralls, jumpsuits