1
: an act of overdrawing at a bank : the state of being overdrawn
also : the sum overdrawn
2

Examples of overdraft 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.
SpotMe® service with eligibility for no-fee overdraft up to $200. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 2026 The banks on the other side of those overdrafts posted record profits through the war. Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overdraft

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdraft was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdraft. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

Legal Definition

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

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