overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

1

: an act of overdrawing at a bank : the state of being overdrawn

also : the sum overdrawn

2

: line of credit

Examples of overdraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its core banking product eliminated overdraft fees, avoided harmful monthly charges and steered clear of predatory lending. —Vikas Raj, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

President Trump also signed congressional rollbacks of two Biden-era CFPB rules last week that sought to cap overdraft fees and ramp up oversight of digital wallets and payment apps. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025

Last week, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to overturn the $5 cap on overdraft fees. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

Craig Hudson | Reuters In recent years, the CFPB has moved to cap bank overdraft fees, regulate payment apps and resolve consumer complaints. —Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overdraft

• allograft
• autograft
• autographed
• countershaft
• handicraft
• homograft
• hovercraft
• lithographed
• photographed
• rotorcraft
• telegraphed
• understaffed

Kids Definition

overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

: an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

Legal Definition

overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

1

: the act or result of drawing on a bank account for more than the balance

also : the amount exceeding the balance in an overdraft

2

: a loan or credit extended on a current account especially to established or institutional customers