overbid

verb

over·​bid ˌō-vər-ˈbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
overbid; overbidding

intransitive verb

1
: to bid in excess of value
2
a
: to bid more than the scoring capacity of a hand at cards
b
British : to make a higher bid than the preceding one

transitive verb

: to bid beyond or in excess of
especially : to bid more than the value of (one's hand at cards)
overbid noun

Examples of overbid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And so we’re met with Americans who overbid at mule auctions or overbuy on the internet. Matt Damsker, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2021 Buyers no longer have to overbid by enormous sums or sweeten deals with outrageous promises. Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2022 Hopefully, the need to overbid on large deals will diminish and the need for large, nonrefundable deposits will be reduced. Ellie Perlman, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2021 The next three years were dominated by battles with the AFL as each league bid — and overbid — for players. Barry Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2019 But, a wrinkle in the program’s design allows plans to reap higher revenue from overbidding—while also keeping premiums low. Christopher Weaver, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2019 In theory, the new tax code could deter buyers from overbidding for a home and therefore eventually bring prices down. Trisha Thadani, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Nov. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overbid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbid was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near overbid

Cite this Entry

“Overbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

overbid

verb
over·​bid ˌō-vər-ˈbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
overbid; overbidding
: to bid too high
overbid noun
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