overbrowse
verb
over·browse
ˌō-vər-ˈbrau̇z 
overbrowsed; overbrowsing
: to cause damage by excessive browsing
The Game Commission's concern is that deer not be allowed to overbrowse these areas.—
P. J. Reilly
P. J. ReillyScientists believe the island's first moose … were so prolific that the island's balsam firs, aspens and other trees were severely overbrowsed.—John Flesher
John FlesherIf the habitat cannot support the deer population, deer will overbrowse and do significant crop and habitat damage.—Darren Warner
Darren WarnerExamples of overbrowse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The moose also contribute to their own demise by overbrowsing the young trees, which prevents them from maturing and dropping pine cones that would create more firs.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2023
Over the years, researchers have learned that wolves play a key role in restoring ecosystems, by reining in prey, such as deer, that can overbrowse trees and shrubs.
—Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 9 June 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2023
Over the years, researchers have learned that wolves play a key role in restoring ecosystems, by reining in prey, such as deer, that can overbrowse trees and shrubs.
—Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 9 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Overbrowse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbrowse. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share