coverall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical
Quick answer
What does “coverall” mean?
A one-piece protective garment that covers the torso, arms and legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A one-piece protective garment that covers the torso, arms and legs.
Any garment or item designed to cover the entire body or a large area for protection; sometimes used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'overalls' (plural) often refers to the same item of protective clothing (e.g., 'a pair of overalls'). In American English, 'overalls' typically refers to dungarees (bib-and-brace trousers). 'Coverall' is unambiguous in AmE for the one-piece suit.
Connotations
Strong connotations of manual labour, industry, mechanics, painting, hazardous material handling, and hygiene (e.g., cleanrooms).
Frequency
More frequent in American English, but understood and used in British English, especially in specific industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coverall” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put on/wear + [determiner] + coverall[Determiner] + coverall + made of + [material]coverall + [preposition] + [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coverall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. 'Coverall' is not standardly used as a verb. The verb is 'to cover'.
American English
- N/A. 'Coverall' is not standardly used as a verb. The verb is 'to cover'.
adverb
British English
- N/A.
American English
- N/A.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The word is not used attributively as an adjective (e.g., not 'a coverall garment').
American English
- N/A. The word is not used attributively as an adjective (e.g., not 'a coverall garment').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In procurement or health & safety documentation: 'All contractors must be issued with disposable coveralls.'
Academic
In engineering or occupational health studies: 'The permeability of the coverall material was tested against chemical agents.'
Everyday
Talking about DIY or messy jobs: 'I need to get a coverall before I start painting the ceiling.'
Technical
In manufacturing or lab protocols: 'Personnel must don sterile coveralls before entering the ISO Class 5 clean area.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coverall”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coverall”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coverall”
- Using 'coveralls' (AmE) to mean dungarees instead of a one-piece suit.
- Using 'overalls' (BrE) without context, causing confusion with AmE listeners.
- Treating it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'some coverall').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, a 'coverall' is a one-piece suit covering torso and legs. 'Overalls' (or 'bib overalls') are trousers with a bib and shoulder straps, usually made of denim.
Yes, 'coveralls' is common, especially in American English, to refer to a single garment (e.g., 'a pair of coveralls'). In British English, 'overalls' serves this plural function.
It is neutral. It is technical and precise in industrial/safety contexts but can be used in everyday conversation when referring to protective clothing.
They vary by purpose: cotton or polyester-cotton for general work; Tyvek for disposable hazardous material handling; microporous film laminates for chemical protection; and tightly woven polyester for cleanrooms.
A one-piece protective garment that covers the torso, arms and legs.
Coverall: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərˌɔl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Coverall' is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COVERS ALL' of your clothes to keep them clean.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A BARRIER / SANITATION IS A CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'coverall' be LEAST appropriate?