Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

oversail

verb

Definition of oversail

transitive verb

: to lay (as bricks or stones) so that one projects beyond another upon which it rests also : to cover by a roof or arch of such construction

intransitive verb

: to project or jut out beyond the base

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for oversail

over entry 1 + obsolete English sail to project, sally, from Middle French saillir to sally, leap, dance

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about oversail

Statistics for oversail

Look-up Popularity

Comments on oversail

What made you want to look up oversail? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

recidivism

Listen to the pronounciation of recidivism

a tendency to relapse

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Finance Words Quiz

  • a-piggy-bank
  • The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games