overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
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.
No-fee overdraft protection No-fee Overdraft Coverage up to $50 for SoFi members with $1,000 or more in total monthly direct deposits. Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025 The 12 federal reservoirs storing water in the basin had started the 21st century nearly full, the report said, but a quarter-century of overdrafts have left them just 40% full as the Southwest experiences a historic drought. Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 12 Sep. 2025 But the typical American’s overdraft bill (about $118 a year as of 2014, the last time it was thoroughly studied) is far less than the average annual credit-card interest payment (which clocks in at $1,657). Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025 Overspending can lead to overdraft fees, required loans to compensate for the deficit, and possible ongoing financial hurdles. Mary Luquette, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 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 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

overdraft

noun
over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
: an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

Legal Definition

overdraft

noun
over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on overdraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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