overrun

1 of 2

verb

over·​run ˌō-vər-ˈrən 

ˌō-və-

overran ˌō-vər-ˈran 

ˌō-və-

; overrun; overrunning

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of

(2)

: to invade and occupy or ravage

b

: to spread or swarm over : infest

2

a

: to run or go beyond or past

the plane overran the runway

b

: exceed

overrun a budget

c

: to readjust (set type) by shifting letters or words from one line into another

3

: to flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2

noun

over·​run ˈō-vər-ˌrən 

ˈō-və-

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

especially : an exceeding of the costs estimated in a contract for development and manufacture of new equipment

2

: the amount by which something overruns

3

: a run in excess of the quantity ordered by a customer

Synonyms of overrun

Verb

• invade
• raid

Examples of overrun in a Sentence

Verb

The tank divisions overran the countryside.

The city was being overrun by enemy troops.

The plane overran the runway.

His speech overran the time allowed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Sports Equipment Garages can be overrun very quickly by excess sports equipment. —Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026

There are just 59 rooms scattered among 150 acres, several pools, and a sprawling terrace restaurant; the property never feels overrun. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

One, spearheaded by the construction-giant ACS Infrastructure Development and autonomous-transit company Glydways, warned that tunneling in Central Florida could lead to delays, cost overruns and other issues. —Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026

However, along with launch delays, cost overruns and questions about the basic economics of the SLS, there are calls to remove the crew of Artemis II on the grounds that the Orion spacecraft is simply too unproven and too outright dangerous for astronauts to ride in it. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overrun

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• povidone
• trazodone
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone

Kids Definition

overrun

1 of 2 verb

over·​run ˌō-və(r)-ˈrən 

overran -ˈran  ; overrun; overrunning

1

a

: to invade and occupy

the island was overrun by the enemy

b

: to spread, swarm, or grow over

a garden overrun with weeds

rats overran the ship

2

: to run or go beyond or past

overran third base

the program overran the time allowed

3

: flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2 noun

over·​run ˈō-və(r)-ˌrən 

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

2

: the amount by which something overruns