overstay

verb

over·​stay ˌō-vər-ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
overstayed; overstaying; overstays

transitive verb

: to stay beyond the time or the limits of

Examples of overstay in a Sentence

She was guilty of overstaying a student visa.
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.
Pineda-Mogollon entered the U.S. in 2023 and overstayed his tourist visa. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025 Andres Pineda-Mogollon: The Colombian national overstayed his visa and entered the US in 2023, DHS said. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 13 June 2025 As with other countries on Trump's list, the proclamation also cites Afghan nationals overstaying their visas as another reason for their ban. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 6 June 2025 The strength of this relative newcomer lies in its ability to come in strong and sweet yet not overstay its welcome, with a distinct and sticky cherry flavor that’s hard to compare to anything else in the genre. Pete Cottell, Wired News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overstay

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstay was in 1641

Cite this Entry

“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstay. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overstay

verb
over·​stay -ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
: to stay beyond the time or the limits of
overstayed their welcome

More from Merriam-Webster on overstay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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