oversee

verb

over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw ˌō-vər-ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen ˌō-vər-ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing

transitive verb

1
: survey, watch
From his hilltop home he can oversee the river below.
2
a
: inspect, examine
oversees all new machinery
b
: to watch over and direct (an undertaking, a group of workers, etc.) in order to ensure a satisfactory outcome or performance : supervise
was hired to oversee the design and construction of the new library
oversaw 20 employees

Examples of oversee in a Sentence

He was hired to oversee design and construction of the new facility. will oversee the new manufacturing division
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.
Beyond investing, Clements oversees Accel’s Ignite program, bringing together CROs and revenue leaders from across the tech ecosystem. Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Since the election, the Trump administration has overseen a deportation plan with far greater reach to include student visa holders and immigrants in the U.S. on Temporary Protected Status. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025 Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey oversee the film for Lionsgate, with Dan Freedman, Phil Strina, John Biondo and Matt Leonetti having negotiated the deal for the studio. Lauren Coates, Variety, 28 May 2025 In addition to his new position as town marshal, Byrd will also be overseeing the move into a new police department. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversee

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversee was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oversee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversee. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversee

verb
over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw -ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen -ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing
1
: to look down upon : survey
2
a
: to look over : examine

More from Merriam-Webster on oversee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!