overcrowd

verb

over·​crowd ˌō-vər-ˈkrau̇d How to pronounce overcrowd (audio)
overcrowded; overcrowding; overcrowds

transitive verb

: to cause to be too crowded

intransitive verb

: to crowd together too much

Examples of overcrowd in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Calderon said that Franklin Township residents do not want to see more residential development that could overcrowd already full schools. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 That black rhinos are suffering from overcrowding is one sign of an improbable success. Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 In recent weeks, top White House adviser Stephen Miller has put pressure on immigration officials to ramp up immigrant detentions to 3,000 a day —a goal that is likely to overcrowd already full detention centers. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 There’s definitely been some complaining about overcrowding on walls in Yosemite. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for overcrowd

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcrowd was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overcrowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcrowd. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overcrowd

verb
over·​crowd -ˈkrau̇d How to pronounce overcrowd (audio)
1
: to cause to be too crowded
2
: to crowd together too much
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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