overstay

verb

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

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.
The system will be able to track if visitors overstay their welcome in the Schengen Area, which is a zone of 29 European countries that allow movement. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Somehow, even at only 13 minutes, BIG MAMA manages to overstay its welcome. Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026 However, simply being in the country without authorization — for example, after overstaying a visa — is generally a civil violation, according to immigration advocates. Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026 If your home features colors that have overstayed their welcome, invite in fresh, yet timeless hues to quickly modernize it. Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026 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 18 Mar. 2026.

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

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