overdub

1 of 2

noun

over·​dub ˈō-vər-ˌdəb How to pronounce overdub (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of overdubbing
2
: recorded sound that is overdubbed
vocal overdubs

overdub

2 of 2

verb

over·​dub ˌō-vər-ˈdəb How to pronounce overdub (audio)
overdubbed; overdubbing; overdubs

transitive verb

: to transfer (recorded sound) onto a recording that bears sound recorded earlier in order to produce a combined effect

Examples of overdub in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Ryan did a bunch of overdubs of guitars and vocals. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 The National captured Rome (without overdubs) at their Monday, June 3, 2024, show at the Italian capital’s Cavea at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 23 Sep. 2024
Verb
The band played simply, framing the melody without drawing attention to itself, and Johnson was present when Underwood came into the studio later to overdub her part. Tom Roland, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024 Users can overdub, reverse, and pitch-bend each loop as a group or independently. Parker Hall, WIRED, 21 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overdub 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdub was circa 1965

Dictionary Entries Near overdub

Cite this Entry

“Overdub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdub. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!