overfeed

verb

over·​feed ˌō-vər-ˈfēd How to pronounce overfeed (audio)
overfed ˌō-vər-ˈfed How to pronounce overfeed (audio) ; overfeeding

transitive verb

: to feed to excess

intransitive verb

: to eat to excess

Examples of overfeed 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.
Schedule feeding can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding which can cause uncomfortable sensations for the baby such as painful gas (and the crying associated with it), difficulty sleeping, and never feeling truly full. Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025 The court heard during the case in 2023 that Letby attacked babies in her care by administering air into their blood and stomachs, overfeeding them with milk, physically assaulting them, and poisoning them with insulin. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 During her trial, which began in October 2022, several colleagues testified to witnessing unusual behavior from the former nurse, while Letby was also accused of overfeeding some of the infants with milk and air. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 1 July 2025 The case rocked Britain, seeming to expose a remorseless serial killer who, prosecutors said, used a bizarre range of techniques to kill her tiny, often very premature, victims: Injecting them with air, overfeeding them with milk or contaminating their feeds with insulin. Megan Specia, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overfeed

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overfeed was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overfeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overfeed. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overfeed

verb
over·​feed ˌō-vər-ˈfēd How to pronounce overfeed (audio)
overfed -ˈfed How to pronounce overfeed (audio) ; overfeeding
: to feed or eat to excess

Medical Definition

overfeed

verb
over·​feed ˌō-vər-ˈfēd How to pronounce overfeed (audio)
overfed -ˈfed How to pronounce overfeed (audio) ; overfeeding

transitive verb

: to feed to excess

intransitive verb

: to eat to excess

More from Merriam-Webster on overfeed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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