overstay

verb

over·​stay ˌō-vər-ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
overstayed; overstaying; overstays
Synonyms of overstaynext

transitive verb

: to stay beyond the time or the limits of

Examples of overstay in a Sentence

She was guilty of overstaying a student visa.
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.
The federal government has said the case is based on Kordia allegedly overstaying a student visa. Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026 Punishment for crime is not something that just happens to 5-year-old people who have overstayed their visas or who never had a visa in the first place. David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, who was in his role for 10 offseasons, drastically overstayed his welcome because of his poor performance. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026 Auto dealerships last fall welcomed the new 2026 model year cars and trucks, even as some of them were trying to figure out what to do with all the 2025 and even 2024 models still lingering around like overstaying party guests who refuse to take the hint to leave. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstay

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstay was in 1641

Cite this Entry

“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstay. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

overstay

verb
over·​stay -ˈstā How to pronounce overstay (audio)
: to stay beyond the time or the limits of
overstayed their welcome

More from Merriam-Webster on overstay

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