overlap

verb

over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap 

overlapped; overlapping; overlaps

transitive verb

1

: to extend over or past and cover a part of

The roof shingles overlap each other.

2

: to have something in common with

Baseball season overlaps the football season in September.

intransitive verb

1

: to occupy the same area in part

The two towns overlap.

2

: to have something in common

Some of their duties overlap.

overlap

ˈō-vər-ˌlap 

noun

Synonyms of overlap

• overlie
• lap
• overlay

Examples of overlap in a Sentence

The roof shingles overlap each other.

Baseball season overlaps football season in September.

Some of your duties overlap his.

Recent Examples on the Web

What remains unclear is how much those inquiries overlap, and which contracts, payments or departments are drawing the most scrutiny. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026

The serum combines biomimetic peptides, a root-anchoring complex, and antioxidants to fortify hair on multiple, overlapping fronts. — Kate Gammon, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Several overlapping pressures, including trade disruptions and falling demand, have placed winemakers in a tricky position. — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

The integrated resort also hosted TOKEN2049 at its Expo & Convention Centre, underscoring how major business conferences and sporting events are increasingly overlapping. — Jenny Lee,matthew Tan, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for overlap

• handicap
• thunderclap
• wiretap
• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap

Kids Definition

overlap

verb

over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap 

1

: to lay or lie over (something) so as to partly cover

that piece overlaps the edge

2

: to have something in common

political and social interests that often overlap

3

: to occupy the same area in part

the photos overlap

overlap

ˈō-vər-ˌlap 

noun