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.
Ameaka's arrest comes days after ABC News obtained a memo detailing federal immigration authorities' new efforts to ramp up arrests at airports of people who have allegedly overstayed their visas. — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 31 July 2026 For fiscal year 2024, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reported 1% of non-immigrant visitors overstayed their visas, representing 482,954 people. — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 At least 27 people have been arrested at airports for allegedly overstaying their visas, according to the reports. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The first reason why is obvious—the congestion, the aching, the cough that overstays its welcome, the unpleasant stomach symptoms. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 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

Phrases Containing overstay

Rhymes for overstay

See All Rhymes for overstay

Browse Nearby Words

overstatement
overstay
overstay one's welcome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstay. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overstay

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