overgrow

verb

over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō 

overgrew ˌō-vər-ˈgrü  ; overgrown ˌō-vər-ˈgrōn  ; overgrowing

transitive verb

1

: to grow over so as to cover with herbage

2

: to grow beyond or rise above : outgrow

intransitive verb

1

: to grow excessively

2

: to become grown over

overgrowth

ˈō-vər-ˌgrōth 

noun

Examples of overgrow in a Sentence

The weeds have overgrown the garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trees that have overgrown their space require pruning every two to three years. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

Assigning LRDs a smaller size sidesteps the problem of nigh inexplicably overgrown black holes but only by branding them as an unprecedented, newfound celestial species—the black hole star. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 May 2026

The outside of the house is in disrepair and the yard is overgrown. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026

The caveat is to plant densely by choosing plants that match your site’s conditions and won’t overgrow their welcome. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

overgrow

verb

over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō 

overgrew -ˈgrü  ; overgrown -ˈgrōn  ; overgrowing

1

: to grow over so as to cover

2

: outgrow

3

: to grow too big

an overgrown puppy

4

: to become grown over

overgrowth

ˈō-vər-ˌgrōth 

noun

Medical Definition

overgrow

intransitive verb

over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō 

overgrew -ˈgrü  ; overgrown -ˈgrōn  ; overgrowing

: to grow or increase beyond the normal or natural size or numbers

when a scar overgrows into a keloid

—Morris Fishbein