overboard

adverb

over·​board ˈō-vər-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce overboard (audio)
1
: over the side of a ship or boat into the water
2
: to extremes of enthusiasm
3
: into discard : aside

Examples of overboard in a Sentence

He threw the fish overboard. The boy fell overboard and almost drowned. One of the sailors fell into the water, and someone shouted “Man overboard!”.
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.
Kurilov studied the route and planned to jump overboard as the ship passed near the Philippines. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 No need to go overboard to sound more intellectual than usual. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Reports have emerged of deteriorating conditions — and of deteriorating mental health, including apparent attempts by crewmembers to jump overboard. — Katia Riddle, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 Last week, citing relatives of service members, the Military Times reported that at least two people on the Lincoln had attempted to jump overboard. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overboard

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overboard was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing overboard

Rhymes for overboard

See All Rhymes for overboard

Browse Nearby Words

overblown
overboard
overboil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overboard. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overboard

adverb
over·​board ˈō-vər-ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce overboard (audio)
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
1
: over the side of a ship into the water
2
: to extremes of enthusiasm
go overboard for a new fad
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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