overhead

Everyday

1. Overhead means above your head or up in the sky. tree →
2. An overhead thing is placed above you, like an overhead light or overhead locker. tree →
3. Overheads are the regular costs of running a business, like rent and electricity. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons: watch out for overhead power lines; never fly kites or climb trees near them, because electricity can jump and kill. On a plane, bags go in the overhead lockers. In science, the Sun is high overhead around midday. In sports, an overhead throw or kick goes over your head. Phrases: «flew overhead», «overhead lights», «overhead lockers», «overhead projector».

Examples

• A plane flew low overhead. tree →
• The geese honked as they flew overhead. tree →
• Never fly a kite near overhead power lines. tree →
• Put your bag in the overhead locker. tree →
• The overhead light in the kitchen flickered. tree →
• The Sun is almost directly overhead at noon in summer. tree →
• He threw the ball with an overhead throw. tree →
• The shop closed because its overheads were too high. tree →
• A large yellow sun hung directly overhead. tree →

Note

One word, no hyphen. «Overhead» is not the same as «ahead» (in front). In business «overheads» is plural (UK); Americans also say «overhead». Overhead power lines are dangerous even without touching them.