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.
Camila Muñoz, a Peruvian citizen who overstayed her visa while pursuing permanent residency, has since been released from custody. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 Families, right? 17 of 20 Adam Sandler in 'Jack and Jill' Adam Sandler played both the male and female version of himself in this 2011 comedy about a twin sister, Jill, who overstays her welcome with her brother Jack's family. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025 This exemption obligates the IRS to assist law enforcement in the pursuit of criminals and will be used against any migrant who has overstayed for more than 90 days as part of the carveout. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2025 That stretch makes up the bulk of the movie, which at a neat 95 or so minutes was clearly made with the awareness that the worst thing a film like this could do is overstay its welcome. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Mar. 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 23 May. 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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