overland

1 of 2

adverb

over·​land ˈō-vər-ˌland 

-lənd

: by, on, or across land

overland

2 of 2

adjective

: going or accomplished over the land instead of by sea

overland emigrants

an overland route

Examples of overland in a Sentence

Adverb

We traveled overland by horse to the mountains.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Most go overland to neighboring China first, then enter a third country such as Thailand before finally making it to the South. — CBS News, 24 June 2026

Meanwhile, at least 11 international activists traveling overland to challenge Israel’s Gaza blockade are being held in Libya on immigration charges, highlighting the widening fallout of the enclave’s isolation. — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Adjective

Boom is working on refining its technologies to meet regulatory requirements for overland supersonic operations. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

While the exact methods remain a mystery, Clarke and colleagues believe the Altar Stone was almost certainly moved in stages, possibly through a combination of overland and river travel routes. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

overland

adverb or adjective

over·​land

ˈō-vər-ˌland, 

-lənd

: by, on, or across land