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

Coming later this year, Bass X Macina is set in a lawless Steampunk West overrun by brutal outlaws, machines and supernatural terrors, while Sparks of Tomorrow follows how technological progress evolved along a different path shaped by steam power blankets Kyoto in smoke. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 June 2026

With no idea what's going on, Dylan flees the FBC to find that the Hiss — otherworldly crimson monsters from another dimension — have overrun Manhattan. — George Yang, Space.com, 22 June 2026

Noun

Though Aurora has advanced to the detailed design and fabrication phases, the program has encountered delays and cost overruns, as reported by The War Zone. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Primoris Services — The specialty contractor and engineer firm tumbled 36% after the company lowered guidance on additional renewables cost overruns and delays, and announced the departure of its COO. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 June 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