overgrow

verb

over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew ˌō-vər-ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown ˌō-vər-ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing

transitive verb

1
: to grow over so as to cover with herbage
2
: to grow beyond or rise above : outgrow

intransitive verb

1
: to grow excessively
2
: to become grown over
overgrowth noun

Examples of overgrow in a Sentence

The weeds have overgrown the garden.
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.
There’s a digital painting of an eerie glasshouse overgrown with red roses by Zhang Xiaotong; Too Rich City, a digital video depicting a surreal Chinese cityscape; and a humorous digital comic by Tang Xinrui where a human are the ones ogled by fish at an aquarium. Ann Binlot, ARTnews.com, 29 Nov. 2024 The organization also recommends that the inside of their enclosure be lined with absorbent bedding, as hamsters tend to chew on things to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 The landscaping was overgrown, poorly maintained, and a fire hazard, so Nureed chose low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plans. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024 Trees that have overgrown their space require pruning every two to three years. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overgrow 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overgrow was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near overgrow

Cite this Entry

“Overgrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overgrow. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

overgrow

verb
over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew -ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown -ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing
1
: to grow over so as to cover
2
3
: to grow too big
an overgrown puppy
4
: to become grown over
overgrowth noun

Medical Definition

overgrow

intransitive verb
over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew -ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown -ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing
: to grow or increase beyond the normal or natural size or numbers
when a scar overgrows into a keloidMorris Fishbein

More from Merriam-Webster on overgrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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