overheat

verb

over·​heat ˌō-vər-ˈhēt How to pronounce overheat (audio)
overheated; overheating; overheats
Synonyms of overheatnext

transitive verb

1
: to heat to excess
2
: to stimulate or agitate unduly

intransitive verb

: to become heated beyond a safe or desirable point

Examples of overheat in a Sentence

I overheated the food in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the engine.
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.
They’re also made, in part, with breathable mesh that keeps feet from overheating. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Dehydration affects how your body handles heat after dark and can leave you overheating in your sleep. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 For many, trying to find talent in free agency appears to be an undesirable backup option, which explains why the trade market has been overheated of late. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 30 June 2026 The facilities require near-constant cooling systems to keep systems from overheating. — Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overheat

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overheat was in the 14th century

Rhymes for overheat

See All Rhymes for overheat

Browse Nearby Words

overhear
overheat
overheated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overheat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overheat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overheat

Nglish: Translation of overheat for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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