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

Dacus recalled that the band took advantage of an open day at the studio and recorded essentially everything — aside from harmonies and guitar overdubs — in roughly 12 hours on a single Saturday. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026

There are some overdubs but [most] of that song was one live take, everyone in different iso booths. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026

Verb

Clark suggested Cannon re-edit and overdub the recording with the stronger bass drums that would become Cannon’s trademark sound and nickname inspiration. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026

Because Jenkin films on grainy 16mm and overdubs his actors’ dialogue, said Tim Grierson in the Los Angeles Times, his movies have a disorienting effect. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined above