overlap

verb

over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap How to pronounce overlap (audio)
overlapped; overlapping; overlaps
Synonyms of overlapnext

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 noun

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
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.
Fashion’s never been busier with the Copenhagen fall 2026 ready-to-wear overlapping with spring 2026 couture season—one that saw the couture debuts of Jonathan Anderson at Christian Dior, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, and Silvana Armani at Armani Privé. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026 Sazón overlaps some, and also contains annatto for color, plus coriander, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026 Insights cascaded and overlapped in surprising ways. Richard Godwin, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 Some concerns reflected in Gallup’s survey overlapped with the impact of recent economic policies. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlap

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overlap was in 1704

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlap. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

overlap

verb
over·​lap ˌō-vər-ˈlap How to pronounce overlap (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overlap

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