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

These earned wage payday loan apps take $300 a year or more from people struggling to make ends meet, not counting the overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees that increase after people start using the apps. —Christopher Greenwood, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

The revolving facility can be thought of as a bank overdraft that allows United to borrow cash and pay it back as and when necessary. —Mark Critchley, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026

No-fee overdraft protection Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. —Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

Keep a cash buffer in your checking account so holds and timing quirks don’t cause overdrafts. —True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

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