overboard

adverb

over·​board ˈō-vər-ˌbȯrd 

1

: over the side of a ship or boat into the water

2

: to extremes of enthusiasm

3

: into discard : aside

Examples of overboard in a Sentence

He threw the fish overboard.

The boy fell overboard and almost drowned.

One of the sailors fell into the water, and someone shouted “Man overboard!”.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, don’t go overboard because the plant doesn’t like soggy feet and may develop root rot if the potting medium remains too wet. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 May 2026

The quarter-length flutter sleeves add a dressy element to the design without going overboard, so this one can definitely be reworn, too. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026

When the officers turned on their boat’s blue flashing lights to signal the commercial vessel to stop, someone threw a red bucket overboard, according to the report. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

The couple had been drinking at the Abaco Inn and attempted to return to the yacht despite high winds and choppy seas, which Brian said caused Lynette to fall overboard. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing overboard

• go overboard
• wash overboard

Rhymes for overboard

• checkerboard
• clavichord
• fiberboard
• fibreboard
• fingerboard
• harpsichord
• motherboard
• notochord
• overlord
• paperboard
• plasterboard
• shuffleboard

Kids Definition

overboard

adverb

over·​board ˈō-vər-ˌbō(ə)rd 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

1

: over the side of a ship into the water

2

: to extremes of enthusiasm

go overboard for a new fad