overstay

verb

over·​stay ˌō-vər-ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
overstayed; overstaying; overstays
Synonyms of overstaynext

transitive verb

: to stay beyond the time or the limits of

Examples of overstay in a Sentence

She was guilty of overstaying a student visa.
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.
Omar David Panqueva, also known as DJ Tunjo, and his partner were arrested at Midway Airport for overstaying their visas, according to the Department of Homeland Security. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Federal immigration authorities are focused on nabbing people who have overstayed visas and are traveling domestically. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 According to authorities, Swanson is a Canadian national who overstayed her visa. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 But in June, the Council passed a bill by Manhattan Democrat Gale Brewer re-authorizing the Sanitation Department to once again start slapping the overstaying cars with stickers. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstay

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstay was in 1641

Phrases Containing overstay

Rhymes for overstay

See All Rhymes for overstay

Browse Nearby Words

overstatement
overstay
overstay one's welcome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstay. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overstay

verb
over·​stay -ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
: to stay beyond the time or the limits of
overstayed their welcome

More from Merriam-Webster on overstay

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overstay

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