overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm How to pronounce overtime (audio)
1
: time in excess of a set limit: such as
a
: working time in excess of a standard day or week
b
: an extra period of play in a contest
2
: the wage paid for overtime
overtime adverb

Examples of overtime in a Sentence

I worked two hours of overtime last week. He was doing a lot of overtime to save for his vacation. How much did you earn last month in overtime? The game went into overtime. They lost the game in overtime.
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.
In the title game, IMG fell behind by as many as 17 points late in the third quarter before mounting a spectacular comeback to win 80-78 in overtime. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 Related article Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers stun New York Knicks in overtime to take Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals Siakam insisted, however, that he and his teammates were not getting distracted by the prospect of writing their names in franchise history. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 This isn't like the 2-0 advantage in the Western Conference finals, where the Thunder are running roughshod over the Timberwolves; the Knicks lost Game 1 in overtime and had a chance to tie the score in Game 2 in the final seconds. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 The Knicks lost the series opener to the Indiana Pacers 138-135 in overtime, blowing an eight-point lead with less than 35 seconds remaining in regulation. Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtime

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtime was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtime. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

overtime

noun
over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm How to pronounce overtime (audio)
1
: time beyond a set limit
especially : working time beyond a standard day or week
2
: the wage paid for overtime
overtime adverb or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!