overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm 

1

: time in excess of a set limit: such as

a

: working time in excess of a standard day or week

b

: an extra period of play in a contest

2

: the wage paid for overtime

overtime adverb

Examples of overtime in a Sentence

I worked two hours of overtime last week.

He was doing a lot of overtime to save for his vacation.

How much did you earn last month in overtime?

The game went into overtime.

They lost the game in overtime.

Recent Examples on the Web

Games 2 and 3, meanwhile, both ended 3-2 in overtime despite being completely lopsided in Carolina’s favor in shots and chances. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 26 May 2026

The San Jose Police Department spent more than $71 million in overtime last year. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

The Hurricanes won 3-2 in overtime in the last matchup. —ABC News, 26 May 2026

The team only managed to eclipse 100 points twice in the series, reaching at least 100 points in the first game in overtime after the Knicks came back from down more than 20 points to tie the game and win in the extra period. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overtime

• overtime pay
• work overtime

Rhymes for overtime

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• pantomime

Kids Definition

overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm 

1

: time beyond a set limit

especially : working time beyond a standard day or week

2

: the wage paid for overtime

overtime adverb or adjective