overbook

verb over·book \ ˌō-vər-ˈbu̇k \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Examples: overbook in a Sentence

Definition of overbook

transitive verb

: to issue reservations for (something, such as an airplane flight) in excess of the space available

intransitive verb

: to issue reservations in excess of the space available

See overbook defined for English-language learners

Examples of overbook in a Sentence

The flight was overbooked, and I got bumped off.
The airline overbooked the flight.
The doctor's office called and said that they overbooked the appointments for today.

Recent Examples of overbook from the Web

Knott says the domestic steel plants are overbooked.

— jon chesto, BostonGlobe.com, "Trade battle takes its toll on local manufacturers," 11 June 2018
And then, the family was told all Delta flights were overbooked until that Tuesday.

— megan friedman, Country Living, "Delta Airlines Paid One Family $11,000 to Give Up Their Airline Seats," 11 Apr. 2017
Be aware, though: Early screenings are usually overbooked, and your pass does not guarantee you a seat.

— adam lukach, RedEye Chicago, "New Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary gets early (free!) screening April 25 in Chicago," 18 Apr. 2018
Because such screenings are usually overbooked to ensure strong attendance, it is recommended that moviegoers arrive early to get a seat.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "Here's how you can see Amy Schumer's 'I Feel Pretty' for free," 12 Apr. 2018
While overbooking is perfectly legal, the hotel industry also has industry-standard policies in effect to prevent guests such as Cole from being kicked out on the street.

— christopher elliott, USA TODAY, "Travel nightmares: What to do if your hotel reservation is lost," 22 Apr. 2018
Because such screenings are usually overbooked to ensure strong attendance, it is recommended that movie-goers arrive early for the screening.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "Here's how you can see Amazon's 'Sneaky Pete' for free," 9 July 2017
Here's where Delta differed from United when a flight was overbooked.

— megan friedman, Country Living, "Delta Airlines Paid One Family $11,000 to Give Up Their Airline Seats," 11 Apr. 2017
Because such screenings are usually overbooked to ensure strong attendance, it is recommended that moviegoers arrive early for the screening.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "Here's how you can see Ridley Scott's 'All the Money in the World' for free," 13 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overbook.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.