overgrow

verb

over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew ˌō-vər-ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown ˌō-vər-ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing

transitive verb

1
: to grow over so as to cover with herbage
2
: to grow beyond or rise above : outgrow

intransitive verb

1
: to grow excessively
2
: to become grown over
overgrowth noun

Examples of overgrow in a Sentence

The weeds have overgrown the garden.
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.
Individual plants need 4 feet of space to grow, and the vines will overgrow containers and sprawl as much as 15 feet. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 May 2025 The fairway, once groomed to unnatural perfection, is now overgrown with tall grass and wildflowers. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025 Pityriasis versicolor: This fungal infection occurs when yeast overgrows on the skin. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 4 Apr. 2025 At the time it was overgrown with weeds and brush and had at least one ranch where cattle were raised. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overgrow

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Overgrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overgrow. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

overgrow

verb
over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew -ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown -ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing
1
: to grow over so as to cover
2
3
: to grow too big
an overgrown puppy
4
: to become grown over
overgrowth noun

Medical Definition

overgrow

intransitive verb
over·​grow ˌō-vər-ˈgrō How to pronounce overgrow (audio)
overgrew -ˈgrü How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrown -ˈgrōn How to pronounce overgrow (audio) ; overgrowing
: to grow or increase beyond the normal or natural size or numbers
when a scar overgrows into a keloidMorris Fishbein

More from Merriam-Webster on overgrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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