overhead

Definition

Located above, especially over the head.

Etymology

From Middle English owerheved, over-hed, over hede (adverb), from Old English oferhēafod (adverb), equivalent to over- + head. Compare German Low German overhoopt, överhoopt, German überhaupt. Piecewise doublet of overchief.

Example Sentences

• "Place your luggage in the overhead lockers."
• "The railway consists of some 18 miles of double track electrified on the overhead principle."
• "In a city where media companies and hospitals have armed guards, this accessibility is unusual. Inside, drivers sit and chat in between shifts, the overhead fan whirring and causing the dim electric light to flicker over their faces."