oversteer

noun

over·​steer ˈō-vər-ˌstir How to pronounce oversteer (audio)
: the tendency of an automobile to steer into a sharper turn than the driver intends sometimes with a thrusting of the rear to the outside
also : the action or an instance of oversteer

Examples of oversteer in a Sentence

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.
And the confidence that the tail won’t cut loose in a bout of unexpected throttle-liftoff oversteer is, surprisingly, quick to be gained when behind the wheel. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024 Attending a program like Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, which has courses at locations all over the United States, will help introduce students to burnouts and the importance of tire temperatures, line lock, and transmission braking, as well as how to handle oversteer and skids. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2024 Shaun is running wide of the racing line and working hard to stop the car from snapping into oversteer. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 Impressive acceleration is easy in an electric vehicle, though: Where the electric Macan Turbo really impressed was through the corners, changing direction crisply, gripping hard past the apex, and allowing power oversteer on demand at corner exit. Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for oversteer 

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversteer was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near oversteer

Cite this Entry

“Oversteer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversteer. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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