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.
Yiannopoulos was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thursday at a Louisiana airport after overstaying his visa, the Department of Homeland Security said. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Immigration officials announced on Friday that Yiannopoulos was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and accused him of overstaying after entering the United States legally in May 2019 through New York City. — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained right wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos for overstaying his visa. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 Quero Silva arrived in the United States in 2016 at Miami International Airport, but overstayed his visa, according to ICE. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 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 2 Sep. 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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