overstay

verb

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

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.
Others overstay tourist visas, seek asylum or have some form of temporary status. Gisela Salomon, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 The Times of India reported that people are known to enter Saudi Arabia on visitor or Umrah visas and then overstay in order to perform Hajj without registering officially. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Others overstay tourist visas, seek asylum or have some form of temporary status. Gisela Salomon, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 Plan Ahead One of the easiest ways to ensure guests don’t overstay is by listing an end time on an invitation, which Grumet assures is perfectly acceptable from an etiquette standpoint. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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