overrun

1 of 2

verb

over·​run ˌō-vər-ˈrən 

ˌō-və-

overran ˌō-vər-ˈran 

ˌō-və-

; overrun; overrunning

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of

(2)

: to invade and occupy or ravage

b

: to spread or swarm over : infest

2

a

: to run or go beyond or past

the plane overran the runway

b

: exceed

overrun a budget

c

: to readjust (set type) by shifting letters or words from one line into another

3

: to flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2

noun

over·​run ˈō-vər-ˌrən 

ˈō-və-

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

especially : an exceeding of the costs estimated in a contract for development and manufacture of new equipment

2

: the amount by which something overruns

3

: a run in excess of the quantity ordered by a customer

Synonyms

Verb

• foray (into)
• invade
• raid

Examples of overrun in a Sentence

Verb

The tank divisions overran the countryside.

The city was being overrun by enemy troops.

The plane overran the runway.

His speech overran the time allowed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The space is overrun by documents and books; blades and sword fittings; the occasional shirt on a hanger that’s not hanging on anything; model planes; and a Glenn Miller CD. —Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025

The mobile gaming market is overrun by low-quality, exploitative, free-to-play titles. —PCMAG, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, meanwhile, has earned a reputation for sky-high expansion costs, chronic delays, and budget overruns. —Paul Dreyer, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025

Large nuclear projects in the U.S. have long been stymied by delays, cost overruns and cancellations. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overrun

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• povidone
• trazodone
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone

Kids Definition

overrun

1 of 2 verb

over·​run ˌō-və(r)-ˈrən 

overran -ˈran  ; overrun; overrunning

1

a

: to invade and occupy

the island was overrun by the enemy

b

: to spread, swarm, or grow over

a garden overrun with weeds

rats overran the ship

2

: to run or go beyond or past

overran third base

the program overran the time allowed

3

: flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2 noun

over·​run ˈō-və(r)-ˌrən 

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

2

: the amount by which something overruns