overrun

1 of 2

verb

over·​run ˌō-vər-ˈrən 

ˌō-və-

overran ˌō-vər-ˈran 

ˌō-və-

; overrun; overrunning

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of

(2)

: to invade and occupy or ravage

b

: to spread or swarm over : infest

2

a

: to run or go beyond or past

the plane overran the runway

b

: exceed

overrun a budget

c

: to readjust (set type) by shifting letters or words from one line into another

3

: to flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2

noun

over·​run ˈō-vər-ˌrən 

ˈō-və-

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

especially : an exceeding of the costs estimated in a contract for development and manufacture of new equipment

2

: the amount by which something overruns

3

: a run in excess of the quantity ordered by a customer

Synonyms of overrun

Verb

• invade
• raid

Examples of overrun in a Sentence

Verb

The tank divisions overran the countryside.

The city was being overrun by enemy troops.

The plane overran the runway.

His speech overran the time allowed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This camp, however, Martin isn’t overrunning as many plays and is getting shots at weak- and strong-side linebacker. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

There are also certain activities, like Gilded Age mansion tours in Newport, Rhode Island, that become much more attractive when they're not overrun by crowds. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026

Noun

Brookfield bought Westinghouse when the company was associated with bankruptcy, construction overruns, and nuclear pessimism. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

One commenter mentioned that the gunky conditions were reminiscent of a river in Colorado overrun by didymo, an algae that can form thick mats, making the water unpleasant for fish, animals and people. — Hannah Smith july 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overrun

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun

Kids Definition

overrun

1 of 2 verb

over·​run ˌō-və(r)-ˈrən 

overran -ˈran  ; overrun; overrunning

1

a

: to invade and occupy

the island was overrun by the enemy

b

: to spread, swarm, or grow over

a garden overrun with weeds

rats overran the ship

2

: to run or go beyond or past

overran third base

the program overran the time allowed

3

: flow over

the river overran its banks

overrun

2 of 2 noun

over·​run ˈō-və(r)-ˌrən 

1

: an act or instance of overrunning

2

: the amount by which something overruns