overarching

[ oh-ver-ahr-ching ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈɑr tʃɪŋ /

adjective

forming an arch above: great trees with overarching branches.
encompassing or overshadowing everything: The community's overarching needs are more jobs and better housing.

Origin of overarching

First recorded in 1710–20; overarch + -ing2

Definition for overarching (2 of 2)

overarch
[ oh-ver-ahrch ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈɑrtʃ /

verb (used with object)

to span with or like an arch: A new bridge overarches the river.

verb (used without object)

to form an arch over something: a cerulean sky overarching in the early twilight.

Origin of overarch

First recorded in 1660–70; over- + arch1

Example sentences from the Web for overarching

British Dictionary definitions for overarching (1 of 2)

overarching
/ (ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ) /

adjective

overall; all-encompassing an overarching concept

British Dictionary definitions for overarching (2 of 2)

overarch
/ (ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃ) /

verb

(tr) to form an arch over