\ ˈō-vər
\
\
Definition of over
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: across a barrier or intervening (see intervene sense 4) space
especially
: across the goal line in football
threw the ball over
b
: forward beyond an edge or brink and often down
wandered too near the cliff and fell over
c
: across the brim
soup boiled over
d
: so as to bring the underside up
turned his cards over
e
: from a vertical to a prone or inclined position
knocked the lamp over
f
: from one person or side to another
hand it over
g
: across
got his point over
h
: to one's home
invite some friends over
i
: on the other side of an intervening (see intervene sense 4) space
the next town over
j
: to agreement or concord
won them over
2a(1)
: beyond some quantity, limit, or norm often by a specified amount or to a specified degree
show ran a minute over
(2)
: in an excessive manner : inordinately
over-conservative traditionalists— John Arlott
b
: till a later time (such as the next day) : overnight
stay over sleep over
3a
: above
The plane was directly over.
b
: so as to cover the whole surface
windows boarded over
4
—used on a two-way radio circuit to indicate that a message is complete and a reply is expected
over
prepositionDefinition of over (Entry 2 of 5)
1
—used as a function word to indicate motion or situation in a position higher than or above another towered over his motherflew over the lakerode over the old Roman road
2a
—used as a function word to indicate the possession of authority, power, or jurisdiction in regard to some thing or person respected those over him
b
—used as a function word to indicate superiority, advantage, or preference a big lead over the others
c
—used as a function word to indicate one that is overcome, circumvented, or disregarded passed over the governor's veto
3a
: more than
cost over $5
b
: above sense 4
4a
—used as a function word to indicate position upon or movement down upon laid a blanket over the childhit him over the head
b(1)
: all through or throughout
showed me over the house went over his notes
(2)
—used as a function word connecting one mathematical set and another whose elements are coefficients or values of parameters used to form elements of the first set polynomials over the field of real numbers
c
—used as a function word to indicate a particular medium or channel of communication over the radio
5a
—used as a function word to indicate position on or motion to the other side or beyond lives over the wayfell over the edge
b
: past or beyond (something) : done with and no longer experiencing
On that day Lily was over the worst of the fever, and he had been able to tell Mrs. Dale that he did not think that she was now in danger.— Anthony Trollope
c
: no longer interested in or concerned about (someone or something)
… she had already filed New York State paperwork for a legal separation and was constantly on the phone with her new, non-Catholic, nonmusical boyfriend in Manhattan, reassuring him, every day, that she was so, so over Stephen.— Jonathan Franzen I think I'm over "It's a Wonderful Life," at least for this year. Fortunately, there is another classic Jimmy Stewart Christmas film to enjoy.— Jay Powell
6a
: throughout, during
over the past 25 years
b
: until the end of
stay over Sunday
7a
—used as a function word to indicate an object of solicitude, interest, consideration, or reference the Lord watches over his own
b
—used as a function word to indicate the object of an expressed or implied occupation, activity, or concern trouble over moneymet with advisers over lunch
over
adjectiveDefinition of over (Entry 3 of 5)
2a
: not used up : remaining
something over to provide for unusual requirements— J. A. Todd
b
: having or showing an excess or surplus
3
: being at an end
the day is over
4
: fried on both sides
ordered two eggs over
5
: no longer current, popular, or fashionable
Over nearly two decades, the once funky Savoy has quietly grown up in SoHo. But as the fickle glitterati have begun to spurn the area for being "so over," Savoy has only gotten more self-assured. — Gourmet
over easy
: fried on one side then turned and fried lightly on the other side
eggs over easy
over
verb
overed; overing\
ˈō-və-riŋ
, ˈōv-riŋ
\
, ˈōv-riŋ
\
Definition of over (Entry 4 of 5)
: to leap over
over-
prefixDefinition of over- (Entry 5 of 5)
1
: so as to exceed or surpass
overachieve
2
: excessive
overstimulation
3
: to an excessive degree
overthin
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Synonyms & Antonyms for over
Synonyms: Adverb
Synonyms: Preposition
Synonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Preposition
Antonyms: Adjective
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Examples of over in a Sentence
Adverb
The wall's too high for us to climb over.
We came to a stream and jumped over.
She leaned over and kissed him.
She knocked over the lamp.
A couple of trees fell over during the storm.
The baby rolled over onto his stomach.
Preposition
The sun's coming up over the mountain.
She looked at him over the top of her glasses.
Their balcony looks out over the city.
He looked over the fence.
A plane was flying low over the trees.
The meat was cooked over an open fire.
She slung the bag over her shoulder.
His hat was pulled low over his eyes.
Throw the rocks over the side of the boat.
He fell over the cliff's edge.
Adjective
When is this class over?
And before we knew it, the storm was over.
When it's over, it's over. You don't get a second chance.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
South Africa and India made a formal request to the World Trade Organization to waive the protections until the pandemic is over, but the issue was tabled without a resolution.
—
Ed Silverman, STAT, "Pharmalittle: White House eyes suspending patent rights on Covid-19 vaccines; J&J supplier may be a vaccine bottleneck," 30 Mar. 2021
Oil prices still dipped upon news of the partial refloating, signaling hope that the blockage, which is costing the canal millions in transit fees every day and holding up billions in cargo among about 350 waiting vessels, will soon be over.
—
Aj Willingham, CNN, "5 things to know for March 29: Coronavirus, Suez Canal, Chauvin trial, Myanmar, LGBTQ rights," 29 Mar. 2021
The days of only needing simple school supplies, like crayons, extra pencils and glue sticks, are over.
—
Kim Luongo, chicagotribune.com, "What is the best laptop for elementary students?," 29 Mar. 2021
But last year also serves as a reminder that a snowless March doesn’t mean the snow season is over.
—
Rich Exner, cleveland, "How rare will it be if Cleveland makes it through March without snow?," 29 Mar. 2021
The mask-wearing guests, and the fewer seats per table there in the ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott, were the only signs that the pandemic isn't over just yet.
—
Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, "Two honored at luncheon," 28 Mar. 2021
With Belichick still aiming at the all-time win record currently held by the late Don Shula, the one-year reset is over, and no one is happier about it than the players on the open market.
—
BostonGlobe.com, "Who said no one would want to play in New England? Bill Belichick still makes it an NFL destination for free agents," 28 Mar. 2021
Many of these workers appear to have retired and thus may not return even when the public-health crisis is over.
—
Amara Omeokwe, WSJ, "Pandemic Accelerates Retirements, Threatening Economic Growth," 28 Mar. 2021
The charade is still over, and the Ravens can stop pretending to sign a top receiver in free agency.
—
Mike Preston, baltimoresun.com, "Mike Preston: Ravens add Watkins, fight reality in pursuit of free agent receivers | COMMENTARY," 27 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition
There has been increasing criticism in recent years over the way Black people, Asian people and others are drawn in some of Dr. Seuss' most beloved children's books, as well as in his earlier advertising and propaganda illustrations.
—
Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Scholastic ends distribution of book by "Captain Underpants" author for racist imagery against Asians," 29 Mar. 2021
The city’s homeless population has fluctuated over the years.
—
San Diego Union-Tribune, "Santee sets priorities for next two years at planning workshop," 29 Mar. 2021
That €18 billion is based on a €30 billion valuation established when Vivendi sold first an initial 10% stake, then an additional 10% stake, to a consortium led by Tencent Corp. over the past two years for a total of €6 billion.
—
Dan Rys, Billboard, "Vivendi Shareholders OK Distribution of 60% of UMG Shares," 29 Mar. 2021
The 26-year-old wasn't good enough defensively to justify his average of 28 home runs per 162 games over the last two years.
—
Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster: Six story lines to watch early in 2021 season," 29 Mar. 2021
The deadly attacks over the past few years have only intensified the sense among many that Muslims and Islamic institutions need to be monitored, restrained and otherwise brought into the mainstream of French society.
—
NBC News, "Bill aims to tackle rising extremism in France. Some say it's an infringement of rights.," 29 Mar. 2021
The two budget proposals released by House and Senate Republicans this week would spend some $55 billion over the next two years and gut the state business and occupation tax for manufacturers.
—
Tim Gruver, Washington Examiner, "Washington Democrats cast their budget bet on a capital gains tax," 29 Mar. 2021
There are essentially two kinds of Orioles position players over the last few years: inexpensive free agents or waiver claims, and guys who were here before.
—
Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Is the Orioles’ rebuild on track? From prospects to player development to scouting, here’s where things stand.," 29 Mar. 2021
Voting rights have become increasingly central to the Democratic Party's political platform over the past few years as activists have pressed lawmakers to take tougher stands on civil rights issues.
—
Matthew Brown, USA TODAY, "Fight over filibuster heats up as Democrats and Republicans clash over voting rights," 29 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Slip-on style, all-over silver glitter design and two adjustable buckled straps.
—
Marc Bona, cleveland, "10 intriguing items, gifts, apparel celebrating Super Bowl LV teams," 21 Feb. 2021
And does the large Republican turnout presage a big vote for Trump or a heavy cross-over vote for Biden?
—
David Lauter Washington Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times, "Essential Politics: How to watch election night like a pro," 30 Oct. 2020
Adam Trautman begins offset left and runs an over route.
—
Jeff Nowak, NOLA.com, "On Alvin Kamara's smarts, Tre'Quan Smith's hustle, a Brees 'mistake': See 3 Saints film notes," 5 Oct. 2020
With the striking marbled, all-over pattern of our planet, this graphic hoodie does weekend duty as easily as it can be thrown on after a workout on the basketball court.
—
Krystin Arneson, CNN Underscored, "Warm up with Adidas’ sale on sweats, tracksuits and hoodies," 15 Sep. 2020
Even as those criteria have relaxed somewhat over time as more entities have started offering testing, widespread testing for the general public has not become available.
—
Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Coronavirus testing in Indiana: What you need to know," 6 Apr. 2020
These reward centers often get worse over time as the brain becomes chemically imbalanced due to addictive substances.
—
Coral Murphy, USA TODAY, "'Cyborg' technology aims to reduce the opioid epidemic one chip at a time," 20 Jan. 2020
The work has developed incrementally over time as scientists take down obstacles one by one using cutting-edge technology.
—
Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "The Tantalizing Promise of Blue Energy," 5 Dec. 2019
In other cases, Nubank hedges by offering a line of credit as low as $10 to start, increasing the amount over time as customers build up a history of good payments.
—
Julianne Pepitone, CNN, "One of Latin America's most valuable startups is changing the way Brazilians bank," 6 Dec. 2019
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
He's edged out by Jack Ma, founder of the e-commerce firm Alibaba and China's second-richest person, who saw his net worth grow by $3 billion to over $41 billion in the same period.
—
Grady Mcgregor, Fortune, "How the pandemic boosted the net worth of China’s fastest-rising billionaire," 27 May 2020
Combining salt with other seasonings, like herbs and spices, can also help reduce the need to over sprinkle.
—
Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, "6 Eating Habits and Foods that Weaken Your Immune System," 6 Apr. 2020
Polar Bear Nylon Solar Backpack Light, simple to carry, difficult to over pack and insulated enough for a full day at the beach, this might be the perfect backpack cooler.
—
Christine Ryan, New York Times, "5 Items to Always Bring to the Beach," 10 Aug. 2019
Since then, the number of cases has exploded to over a quarter of a million.
—
Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, "A Death Toll That Cannot Be Forgotten," 3 Apr. 2020
The trade imbalance will only get worse, the ASMI report said, as Russia aims to nearly double the value of its global seafood exports by 2024 to over $8 billion.
—
Anchorage Daily News, "Russia-Alaska seafood trade remains a one-way street benefiting Russia," 18 Feb. 2020
The president’s legal team has 24 hours to over a three-day period to give its case.
—
Kerry Picket, Washington Examiner, "Lindsey Graham says Republicans will question House impeachment Democrats about whistleblower coordination," 24 Jan. 2020
Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
—
Darlene, Detroit Free Press, "Baking soda vs. baking powder: Here's the difference," 19 Oct. 2019
One area overs parts of Chilton and extreme southern Shelby counties.
—
Leigh Morgan, al, "Drought conditions improve in some parts of Alabama but stubbornly hang on for others," 31 Oct. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'over.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Last Updated
31 Mar 2021
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Cite this Entry
“Over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over. Accessed 11 Apr. 2021.
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More Definitions for over
over
adverb
English Language Learners Definition of over
(Entry 1 of 4)
: in an upward and forward direction across something
: downward from an upright position
: downward to a flat or horizontal position
over
prepositionEnglish Language Learners Definition of over (Entry 2 of 4)
: from, to, or at a place that is higher than (someone or something)
: on top of (something) : so as to cover (something)
: beyond and down from (something)
over-
prefixEnglish Language Learners Definition of over- (Entry 4 of 4)
: too much or too great
: so as to be better or beyond
: very or extremely
See the full definition for over- in the English Language Learners Dictionary
over
adverb
\ ˈō-vər
\
\
Kids Definition of over
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: across a barrier or space
Just climb over. Can you move over?
2
: in a direction down or forward and down
It fell over.
3
: across the brim
The soup boiled over.
4
: so as to bring the underside up
Turn the cards over.
5
: from one person or side to another
Hand it over.
6
: to someone's home
I asked them over.
7
: beyond a limit
The show ran a minute over.
8
: more than needed
She has food left over.
9
: once more : again
Please do it over.
10
: overnight entry 1 sense 1
Can I sleep over?
over and over
: many times
over
prepositionKids Definition of over (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: above in place : higher than
He towered over us.
2
: above in power or value
I respect those over me.
3
: in front of
We have a big lead over the others.
4
: more than
It costs over five dollars.
5
: down upon
He hit me over the head.
6
: all through or throughout
“… our dad gets to travel all over the country …”— Christopher Paul Curtis, Bud, Not Buddy
7
: on or along the surface of
Glide over the ice.
8
: on or to the other side of : across
Jump over the puddle.
9
: down from the top or edge of
He fell over the edge.
10
: having to do with
They are still arguing over it.
over
adjectiveKids Definition of over (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: being more than needed or expected
The balance was three dollars over.
2
: brought or come to an end
Those days are over.
over-
prefix
\ ˈō-vər, ˌō-vər \
Kids Definition of over-
: more than usual, normal, or proper
overload oversize
over
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Time Traveler for over
The first known use of over was before the 12th century
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