overhead: Meaning and Definition of

o•ver•head

1. over one's head; aloft; up in the air or sky, esp. near the zenith: There was a cloud overhead.
2. so as to be completely submerged or deeply involved: to plunge overhead in water; to sink overhead in debt.

1. situated, operating, or passing above, aloft, or over the head: an overhead sprinkler system.
2. of or pertaining to the general cost of running a business: overhead expenses; an overhead charge.

1. the general, fixed cost of running a business, as rent, lighting, and heating expenses, which cannot be charged or attributed to a specific product or part of the work operation.
2. that part of manufacturing costs for which cost per unit produced is not readily assignable.
3. (in a hoistway) the distance between the last floor level served and the beam supporting the hoisting sheaves or machinery.
4. (in racket sports) a stroke in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with a downward motion from above the head; smash.
5. an overhead compartment, shelf, etc.: Pillows are in the overhead above each passenger's seat.
6. Also calleda shot in which the camera is positioned above the actors, esp. directly overhead.
7. a ceiling light in a room: Turn off the overheads when you leave.
8. Also calleda projector capable of projecting images above and behind the person operating it, thus allowing a lecturer or speaker to remain facing the audience while using it.
9. Also calleda picture or image projected in this manner: a lecture enhanced with overheads.