overcrowd

verb

over·​crowd ˌō-vər-ˈkrau̇d How to pronounce overcrowd (audio)
overcrowded; overcrowding; overcrowds

transitive verb

: to cause to be too crowded

intransitive verb

: to crowd together too much

Examples of overcrowd in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Working in batches if needed, place sliders in air-fryer basket (do not overcrowd). — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 Survey respondents said their dwellings stayed oppressively hot even at night because overcrowding and poor construction trapped the heat. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 Use this as an opportunity to track down any remaining branches that are overcrowding the interior of your peach tree. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026 Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control is no longer accepting non-emergency owner surrendered animals due to overcrowding. — Eva Flowe july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overcrowd

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcrowd was in 1602

Rhymes for overcrowd

See All Rhymes for overcrowd

Browse Nearby Words

overcrow
overcrowd
overcrowded
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Cite this Entry

“Overcrowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcrowd. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overcrowd

verb
over·​crowd -ˈkrau̇d How to pronounce overcrowd (audio)
1
: to cause to be too crowded
2
: to crowd together too much
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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