overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm How to pronounce overtime (audio)
Synonyms of overtimenext
1
: time in excess of a set limit: such as
a
: working time in excess of a standard day or week
b
: an extra period of play in a contest
2
: the wage paid for overtime
overtime adverb

Examples of overtime in a Sentence

I worked two hours of overtime last week. He was doing a lot of overtime to save for his vacation. How much did you earn last month in overtime? The game went into overtime. They lost the game in overtime.
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.
Bishop Moore lost an overtime heartbreaker, 28-25, against Hawthorne last week. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The Huskies ultimately won both ends of a home-and-home series, but the second game dragged perilously into overtime. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In 2018, Nagy’s offensive success in a 30-27 overtime loss to the Giants wasn’t based on the scheme. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Brown’s team scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown to force overtime. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtime

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtime was in 1791

Phrases Containing overtime

Rhymes for overtime

See All Rhymes for overtime

Browse Nearby Words

overtilt
overtime
overtime pay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

overtime

noun
over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm How to pronounce overtime (audio)
1
: time beyond a set limit
especially : working time beyond a standard day or week
2
: the wage paid for overtime
overtime adverb or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on overtime

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overtime

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overtime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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