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

Other Mommy, though a mere 93 minutes, overstays its welcome. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Now, the aging superstar finds himself in an awkward situation where no one wants to be – overstaying his welcome like that uncle at Thanksgiving or Christmas who can’t read the room. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

While a little ubiquity goes a long way in Ad Land, the adverse effects of overstaying one’s welcome will eventually undermine the gains made on the ROI front. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 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

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