overgraze

verb

over·​graze ˌō-vər-ˈgrāz 

overgrazed; overgrazing; overgrazes

transitive verb

: to allow animals to graze (an area, such as a pasture) to the point of damaging vegetational cover

Examples of overgraze in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neighbors said the cows overgrazed and flies proliferated. — Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026

This rotation mimics the natural migration of wild bison and keeps the pastures from being overgrazed. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026

Cashmere production can threaten the land that sustains the fibers when overgrazing depletes delicate grasslands. — Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

To prevent overgrazing, each Tristanian is allowed only a set number of animals, and when calves are born, older cows must be removed to keep the herd at a sustainable size. — NPR, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overgraze

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Kids Definition

overgraze

verb

over·​graze ō-vər-ˈgrāz 

overgrazed; overgrazing

: to allow animals to graze (as a pasture) to the point of damaging the vegetation