overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm 

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

At times, Spoelstra was just that, committed, concluding the season with Ware and Adebayo starting in tandem, and then opening the Heat’s lone postseason game, the play-in overtime road loss to the Charlotte Hornets, with the alignment. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

In India, workers described being forced into excessive overtime to rush final orders before additional tariffs kicked in, then getting laid off anyway. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026

When an employee is subject to joint employment, all employers involved are jointly liable for ensuring the employee receives the correct wages and benefits, including overtime. —Keith Sonderling, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

In game six of the Detroit-Minnesota division semifinal, Sergei Fedorov of the Red Wings appears to hit the crossbar behind Minnesota goalie Jon Casey during overtime. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overtime

• overtime pay
• work overtime

Rhymes for overtime

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• pantomime

Kids Definition

overtime

noun

over·​time ˈō-vər-ˌtīm 

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