Overhead: meaning, definitions and examples

Often repeated as 'overhead' to place emphasis or clarify in conversation.

• Our overhead, or the general costs of running the business, have increased this year.

A general term for any money spent by a person or organization. It can be used in both personal and business contexts.

• Traveling for work is one of his biggest expenses.
• She keeps track of her monthly expenses to save money.

Used to refer to the ongoing expenses required for running a business, including both fixed and variable costs. Important in analyzing business performance.

• The new machinery will reduce operating costs in the long run.
• Managing operating costs is crucial for maintaining profitability.

Primarily used in accounting and financial contexts to describe costs that are not attributed to a specific project or product but are necessary for the business to function.

• Indirect costs include things like administrative salaries and office rent.
• The organization needs to consider indirect costs when planning the budget for the next quarter.

Used when something is above you in a general sense, often related to physical objects or costs. In terms of costs, it means the ongoing expenses of operating a business.

• The birds flew overhead as we walked through the park.
• The overhead costs of running the business include rent and utilities.

Commonly used in aviation, geography, and sports to describe the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.

• The airplane reached an altitude of 30,000 feet.
• Climbers often use oxygen tanks when they reach high altitudes.

Describes the vertical distance from the base to the top of something, often used for people, buildings, and objects.

• The height of the skyscraper is 500 meters.
• She was proud of her son's height, as he had grown very tall.

Refers to the height of a geographic location above sea level, often used in geographic and construction contexts.

• The elevation of the mountain peak is 2,500 meters.
• The city's elevation helps it stay cooler during the summer.

Used when referring to something directly above you, commonly used in settings like airports or offices.

• The flight information is displayed on the overhead monitors
• We stored the boxes in the overhead compartment

Indicates a position higher than another object, often used in written instructions or descriptions.

• The painting hangs above the fireplace
• Please read the instructions above before proceeding

Describes a direction moving from a lower to a higher point, often used in a context of movement or progress.

• She extended her hand upward to grab the rope
• The company's profits have been moving upward

Describes something that is raised or lifted to a higher position, often used in a medical or architectural context.

• He was diagnosed with elevated blood pressure
• The house sits on an elevated platform