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

For any overlapping Pipeliner 5000 to adhere, the underlying layer would need to still be wet or, if not, steps would need to be taken to prepare the surface. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026

The findings also showed that multiple brain diseases often coexist in older adults and that these overlapping pathologies raise the odds of developing dementia. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

The study also showed that multiple brain diseases often coexist in older adults and that overlapping pathologies raise dementia risk. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Twain was the opening act for Styles’ 12-show residency at London’s Wembley Stadium, which overlapped with Swift and Kelce’s big day. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 15 July 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