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.
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.
adjective
- overall; all-encompassingan overarching concept
verb
- (tr) to form an arch over
adj.1720, from present participle of verb overarch (1660s), from over- + arch (v.).