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

Close to a decade ago, the two crossed paths at the Connecticut Ballet, often overlapping on the company’s pieces. — Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Unique to Dusit is the meditation dome, shaped like overlapping petals, which creates an immersive, sanctuary-like space. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

The distinction has often rested on the assumption that couture is handcrafted and ready-to-wear is made by machine; in practice, the two traditions have long overlapped, with each adopting techniques and methods associated with the other. — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which overlaps with Diwali, to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment under the Mughal emperor Jahangir. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 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