overdub

1 of 2

noun

over·​dub ˈō-vər-ˌdəb 

1

: the act or an instance of overdubbing

2

: recorded sound that is overdubbed

vocal overdubs

overdub

2 of 2

verb

over·​dub ˌō-vər-ˈdəb 

overdubbed; overdubbing; overdubs

transitive verb

: to transfer (recorded sound) onto a recording that bears sound recorded earlier in order to produce a combined effect

Examples of overdub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ode to Joy’s sessions began with Tweedy and drummer Glenn Kotche recording basic tracks as a duo, and then bringing in the other four members of Wilco for overdubs. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 June 2024

Beckham did vocal overdubs for the Bad for Me album in the center of Ronnie Milsap’s former studio, now known as Ronnie’s Place, while battling physical challenges. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019

Verb

The title track is both a definitive Stones song and barely a Stones song at all – Jagger recorded it in a one-off session with members of the Faces and David Bowie, and then let Richards overdub more guitar before finalizing the track. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 17 Oct. 2023

While the Beatles work a sludgy riff, Billy Preston plays a Hammond organ and Lennon overdubs a Moog synthesizer to add in some white noise. —Joe Lynch, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined above