overlap

verb

over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap 

overlapped; overlapping; overlaps

transitive verb

1

: to extend over or past and cover a part of

The roof shingles overlap each other.

2

: to have something in common with

Baseball season overlaps the football season in September.

intransitive verb

1

: to occupy the same area in part

The two towns overlap.

2

: to have something in common

Some of their duties overlap.

overlap

ˈō-vər-ˌlap 

noun

Synonyms

• lap
• overlay
• overlie
• overspread

Examples of overlap in a Sentence

The roof shingles overlap each other.

Baseball season overlaps football season in September.

Some of your duties overlap his.

Recent Examples on the Web

The brain areas activated during parental love overlap significantly with those involved in romantic love—which aptly highlights the strong emotional connection parents feel toward their children. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

Quite often, the clothes, music and other elements that at first blush may seem tangential to fandom will overlap with sports in a manner sufficient to help spawn a sort of energy exchange. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Sep. 2024

Boone overlaps with area burned in July 2020 by the Mineral Fire, 29,667 acres. —Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024

Otherwise, be aware the new live music season may force you to make some difficult choices, with some concerts overlapping on the same day. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

overlap

verb

over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap 

1

: to lay or lie over (something) so as to partly cover

that piece overlaps the edge

2

: to have something in common

political and social interests that often overlap

3

: to occupy the same area in part

the photos overlap

overlap

ˈō-vər-ˌlap 

noun