# overhaul

/ˈoʊvɝˌhɔɫ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overhaul
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to repair or improve completely

verb · CEFR B2

to examine a machine or a system thoroughly and make all the necessary repairs or changes.

For teachers: to examine a mechanical system or organizational structure thoroughly and perform necessary repairs or revisions to ensure optimal functionality.

- The school decided to overhaul its curriculum to include more technology classes.
- The engineering team had to overhaul the entire engine after the aircraft reached its mandatory flight-hour limit for safety inspections.

### 2. to overtake

verb · CEFR C1 · British English

to catch up with and pass someone or something that is moving in the same direction.

For teachers: to gain upon and eventually pass a person or vehicle travelling in the same direction.

- The lead runner was slowly overhauled by the rest of the pack in the final mile.
- The sleek racing yacht managed to overhaul its rival just before reaching the final buoy of the regatta.

### 3. a major repair or revision

noun · CEFR B2

the act of repairing or changing a system or machine completely.

For teachers: a comprehensive examination followed by necessary repairs, modifications, or improvements.

- The company's website is currently undergoing a major overhaul to improve the user experience.
- The legal department suggested a complete overhaul of the existing contracts to mitigate future liability risks.

### 4. to check for hidden fire

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to search a building after a fire to make sure no hidden hot spots are still burning.

For teachers: to inspect a structure after a fire has been suppressed to locate and extinguish hidden embers or hotspots.

- Firefighters spent hours on overhaul to ensure the house wouldn't catch fire again.
- During the overhaul phase, the crew discovered smouldering insulation behind the drywall that could have reignited the blaze.

## Examples

- The company's website needs a major overhaul.
- After years of declining performance, the school board decided to implement a complete overhaul of the curriculum.
- The aging fleet underwent a comprehensive mechanical overhaul to ensure compliance with the new environmental regulations before the shipping season began.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.