oversleep

verb

over·​sleep ˌō-vər-ˈslēp How to pronounce oversleep (audio)
overslept ˌō-vər-ˈslept How to pronounce oversleep (audio) ; oversleeping
Synonyms of oversleepnext

intransitive verb

: to sleep beyond the time for waking

transitive verb

: to allow (oneself) to oversleep

Examples of oversleep in a Sentence

Be sure to set your alarm clock so that you don't oversleep.
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.
That means avoiding heavy meals before sleep, packing ear plugs and an eye mask, and matching your normal sleep duration (oversleeping can leave you feeling groggy). Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026 The kids also allegedly told investigators that they were expected to wake themselves up for school and get ready because their parents would oversleep. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025 Bradley overslept and stood him up, but Geschwind kept offering his services to Bradley and other players on a team that would reach the national championship game the following season. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Nov. 2025 In another of the texts, the student apologized for oversleeping and missing a preplanned meeting. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025 Finally the proper authority, who had overslept, showed up to unlock the gate. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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

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Cite this Entry

“Oversleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversleep. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

oversleep

verb
over·​sleep ˌō-vər-ˈslēp How to pronounce oversleep (audio)
overslept -ˈslept How to pronounce oversleep (audio) ; oversleeping
: to sleep beyond the usual time or beyond the time set for getting up

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