oversee

verb

over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw ˌō-vər-ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen ˌō-vər-ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing

transitive verb

1
: survey, watch
From his hilltop home he can oversee the river below.
2
a
: inspect, examine
oversees all new machinery
b
: to watch over and direct (an undertaking, a group of workers, etc.) in order to ensure a satisfactory outcome or performance : supervise
was hired to oversee the design and construction of the new library
oversaw 20 employees

Examples of oversee in a Sentence

He was hired to oversee design and construction of the new facility. will oversee the new manufacturing division
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.
Creative Executive Apolline Berty, Vice President of Production Richard Ruiz, and Creative Executive Daniel Yu are overseeing the project for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Co-Heads of Film Production & Development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025 Creative Executive Apolline Berty, VP of Production Richard Ruiz, and Creative Executive Daniel Yu are overseeing the project for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Co-Heads of Film Production & Development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 In the West Bank, the PA has overseen a corrupt system that leaves little space for civil society. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025 Herrera oversaw the launch of NCL’s last two ships, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Aqua, as well as recent announcements for the expansion coming to the line’s private Bahamas island Great Stirrup Cay. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversee

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversee was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Oversee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversee. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversee

verb
over·​see ˌō-vər-ˈsē How to pronounce oversee (audio)
oversaw -ˈsȯ How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseen -ˈsēn How to pronounce oversee (audio) ; overseeing
1
: to look down upon : survey
2
a
: to look over : examine

More from Merriam-Webster on oversee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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