overdub

1 of 2

noun

over·​dub ˈō-vər-ˌdəb How to pronounce overdub (audio)
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 How to pronounce overdub (audio)
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
Steel guitarist Justin Schipper slid a bundle of leading tones into the mix during overdubs that knit the production together. Tom Roland, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2024 This compilation reveals the session of June 1970 to be a seismic event, stripping the tracks of their overdubs and focusing on the craft of the musicians and Elvis’ genius for capturing lightning in a bottle. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 24 Nov. 2023 Between the Buttons, however, is a fetchingly bespoke potpourri of pop styles, its sound largely shaped by Jones jumping around the studio laying down overdubs of dulcimer, kazoo, tuba, recorder, accordion, and vibraphone. Al Shipley, SPIN, 17 Oct. 2023 Most of the music involved overdubs, with Batiste and fellow multi-instrumentalists Bellion and Tenroc handling most of the work. Bill Beuttler, BostonGlobe.com, 14 July 2023 While the overdubs, particularly the backing vocals, were overly elaborate and robbed the recording of some of its atmosphere, they’ve been dialed back on subsequent reissues. Jem Aswad, Variety, 3 July 2023 Fiddler Jenee Fleenor heightened the track’s lonely quality in overdubs, and drummer Aaron Sterling was asked to reimagine the original percussion, transitioning the kit from a time-keeping tool to a more atmospheric element. Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 June 2023 The entire album was recorded live in one room with no overdubs in two-hour sessions after six months of whipping the songs into shape at rehearsal. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 7 June 2023 That was an overdub. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2021
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 Kip Allen provided the softer, relaxed rhythms in the verses, while Fred Eltringham came in to overdub more ferocious pops in the chorus. Tom Roland, Billboard, 21 May 2018 Scheiner: The first one to overdub was Walter [Becker]. Zach Schonfeld, Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overdub.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdub was circa 1965

Dictionary Entries Near overdub

Cite this Entry

“Overdub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdub. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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