overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv 
1
: an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2
: a state of heightened activity
going into rhetorical overdrive
Examples of overdrive in a Sentence
He put the car into overdrive.
His acting career is in overdrive.
The reporters went into overdrive to finish their stories on time.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, the cosmic plot thickens on June 28, when Mars enters the clever and quick-witted sign of Gemini, sending our minds into overdrive.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
The higher temperatures promote algae growth by allowing their metabolisms to shift into overdrive.
—
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Will 4,000 sheets be enough if your workload suddenly goes into overdrive?
—
David English,
PC Magazine,
20 June 2026
So when a large wedding tent for Hall’s clients was erected, the excitement went into overdrive.
—
Choire Sicha,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
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Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
The higher temperatures promote algae growth by allowing their metabolisms to shift into overdrive.
—
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Will 4,000 sheets be enough if your workload suddenly goes into overdrive?
—
David English,
PC Magazine,
20 June 2026
So when a large wedding tent for Hall’s clients was erected, the excitement went into overdrive.
—
Choire Sicha,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
Cite this Entry
“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv
: a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft
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