overhead English · revision 15093

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=mid-15th century}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: adverb UK /ˌəʊ.vəˈhed/, US /ˌoʊ.vɚˈhed/; noun, adjective UK /ˈəʊ.və.hed/, US /ˈoʊ.vɚ.hed/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[over-]] and [[head]], or it survives from [[ang|oferheafod]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Above one's head, aloft: the mid-15th century in Etymonline, 1532 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ So as to cover the head, as water, is from 1653,^(OED 1989) and headlong (before 1578) is an obsolete sense.^(OED 1989) In Scots overhead meant on average, taken together.^(OED 1989)^(Wright 1898) The adjective, situated above, is from 1874,^(Etymonline) and the noun, short for overhead costs, by 1914.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * mid-15th century – overhead (adverb).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1532 – up in the air, aloft.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1653 – over one's head (of water).^(OED 1989)

+ * 1874 – overhead (adjective).^(Etymonline)

+ * by 1914 – overheads, running costs.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adverb===

+ # Above one's head; in the sky.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Situated or operating above head height: ''an overhead light''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Relating to the running costs of a business.^(AHD)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(also overheads)'' The regular operating expenses of a business, such as rent and utilities.^(AHD)

+ # A stroke played from above head height in racket games.^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(nautical)'' The ceiling of a cabin below decks.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[nonoverhead]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[over]]

+ * [[head]]

+ * [[overhead projector]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}