Overhead

/ˌoʊ.vərˈhɛd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The ongoing administrative costs or expenses of operating a business that are not directly tied to creating a product or service.

The company needs to reduce its overhead to increase profitability.

The space or area above the level of one's head.

There was an old sign hanging overhead in the hallway.

adjective

Located above the level of the ground or head.

The overhead lights illuminated the entire room.

Relating to costs that are not directly associated with a specific project or product.

They had to account for overhead expenses when preparing their budget.

adverb

In a position or place above.

The bird flew overhead as we walked through the park.

From Middle English 'overhed', from Old English 'ofer heafod', meaning 'above the head'.

overhead costs

Expenses not directly tied to production, such as rent and utilities.

overhead projector

A device for projecting images onto a screen, typically using transparency sheets.

overhead wire

A wire suspended above the ground, used for electrifying trains or trams.

over

A prefix meaning above, and also an adverb indicating a position higher than something else.

head

The uppermost part of the body or the leading position in a group.

To get ahead or do something before someone else.

He totally overhead me in the meeting.

Used in the context of high costs or prices.

The price of that item is way overhead!