overpass

1 of 2

verb

over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas How to pronounce overpass (audio)
overpassed; overpassing; overpasses

transitive verb

1
: to pass across, over, or beyond : cross
also : surpass
2
3

overpass

2 of 2

noun

over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas How to pronounce overpass (audio)
: a crossing of two highways or of a highway and pedestrian path or railroad at different levels where clearance to traffic on the lower level is obtained by elevating the higher level
also : the upper level of such a crossing

Examples of overpass in a Sentence

Verb to keep peace in the family, he was forced to overpass his in-laws' frequent put-downs a filmmaker whose technical bravura overpasses his ability to tell a coherent story Noun Boys stood beneath the highway overpass. Traffic was stalled on the overpass.
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.
Verb
Prior court decisions and guidance from the Department of Justice have set up hurdles to overcome before the court is forced to overpass a reporter’s privilege to protect sources. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
The construction on the new overpass will cause nighttime lane closures on Interstate 5, according to city officials. Ethan Wolin july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025 Some mourners also gathered on freeway overpasses to honor the 23-year-old, who joined the Navy in 2021 and became a warfare combatant boat crew member two years later. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overpass

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpass was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpass. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overpass

1 of 2 verb
over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas How to pronounce overpass (audio)
1
: to pass across, over, or beyond
2
3

overpass

2 of 2 noun
over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas How to pronounce overpass (audio)
1
: a crossing (as of two highways or of a highway and railroad) at different levels usually by means of a bridge
2
: the upper level of an overpass

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