overstay

verb

over·​stay ˌō-vər-ˈstā 

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

The changes announced Thursday will see international students barred from bringing family members, and tougher policing of people who’ve overstayed their visas. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Bill George, a Harvard Business School fellow and a former CEO, says overstaying one’s executive role can entail serious costs. — Adi Ignatius, Harvard Business Review, 18 Sep. 2026

The arrest, for overstaying a 2024 deportation order, exposed problems with the vetting process that led to Roberts' hiring and prompted a district audit and new hiring laws. — Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register, 15 Sep. 2026

The government also has cracked down on foreigners who overstay visas or seek to circumvent property-ownership regulations, while also shortening visa-free stays. — Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overstay

• overstay one's welcome

Rhymes for overstay

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

overstay

verb

over·​stay -ˈstā 

: to stay beyond the time or the limits of

overstayed their welcome