overhead
UK[ˌəʊvəˈhɛd]US[ˌoʊvərˈhɛd]
adj
located or operating above the level of the head
adj
(of a cost or expense) relating to the general, ongoing costs of running a business or organization
adv
above the level of the head; in the sky or space above
n
(overheads) the general, fixed costs of running a business, such as rent, electricity, and salaries
n
a stroke in sports such as tennis or volleyball made from above head height
Morpheme Breakdown
over
head
over
above
head
top part of the body
Etymology
The word "overhead" is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements. "Over," with its Proto-Germanic root uber, conveys a sense of being above or across a boundary. "Head," from Proto-Germanic haubudą, signifies the topmost part of the body. When combined, the literal meaning "above the head" emerged, a spatial concept easily understood. Over time, this concrete spatial sense was metaphorically extended into various domains: in business, "overhead" refers to costs that hang over or are above the direct production of goods, much like a ceiling over operations. In sports, it describes an action performed with the implement above the head, preserving the original spatial logic.
Analysis
Structure: over (above) + head (top part of the body)
- over: From Old English ofer, of Germanic origin; a preposition/adverb meaning "above" or "across."
- head: From Old English hēafod, of Germanic origin; a noun meaning "the upper part of the body."
Examples
The plane flew overhead.
The company is trying to reduce its overheads by moving to a smaller office.
She scored with a powerful overhead smash.