overwrite

verb

over·​write ˌō-vər-ˈrīt 

ˌō-və-

overwrote ˌō-vər-ˈrōt 

ˌō-və-

; overwritten ˌō-vər-ˈri-tᵊn 

ˌō-və-

; overwriting ˌō-vər-ˈrī-tiŋ 

ˌō-və-

transitive verb

1

: to write over the surface of

2

: to write in inflated or overly elaborate style

3

: to replace information in (a computer file) with new information

intransitive verb

: to write too much or in an overly elaborate style

Examples of overwrite in a Sentence

The author has a tendency to overwrite.

Recent Examples on the Web

Key to this process is what computer scientists call a gate – that is, a molecular switch that decides how much of an existing memory to keep and how much to overwrite when new information arrives. — Shiladitya Banerjee, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

They have all been flattened, overwritten by the wall of mud and water that claimed everything in its path. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

The memo said that Venezuelan government officials developed the capability to manipulate electronic voting systems in their own elections, including replicating and overwriting voting data to make fraudulent votes legitimate. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 17 July 2026

That data can be overwritten within days if a formal preservation request is not sent to the carrier quickly. — Karen Koehler, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for overwrite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

overwrite

verb

over·​write ˌō-və(r)-ˈrīt 

overwrote -ˈrōt  ; overwritten -ˈrit-ᵊn  ; overwriting -ˈrīt-iŋ 

1

: to write over the surface of : write on top of

2

: to write too much or in an overly elaborate style

overwritten accounts of everyday events