over·run
ˌō-vər-ˈrən 
ˌō-və-
overran
ˌō-vər-ˈran
ˌō-və-
; overrun; overrunning
1
a(1)
: to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of
(2)
: to invade and occupy or ravage
b
: to spread or swarm over : infest
2
a
: to run or go beyond or past
the plane overran the runway
b
: exceed
overrun a budget
c
: to readjust (set type) by shifting letters or words from one line into another
3
: to flow over
the river overran its banks
over·run
ˈō-vər-ˌrən
ˈō-və-
1
: an act or instance of overrunning
especially
: an exceeding of the costs estimated in a contract for development and manufacture of new equipment
2
: the amount by which something overruns
3
: a run in excess of the quantity ordered by a customer
Synonyms
Examples of overrun in a Sentence
Verb
The tank divisions overran the countryside.
The city was being overrun by enemy troops.
The plane overran the runway.
His speech overran the time allowed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
But when an ominous force aims to overrun their motherland, the sisters realize their united powers hold the key to vanquishing the Darkness.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Soon enough, the school's overrun with hyperactive kiddos bouncing off the walls, and the teachers have to devise a plan to burn off this sugar buzz while tracking down the sticky-fingered culprit running loose in their halls.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overrun 
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Verb
Hamas kidnapped more than 200 Israelis and killed 1,200 others last Oct. 7, when the militant group's fighters overran the border with Gaza in a surprise attack.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
But when an ominous force aims to overrun their motherland, the sisters realize their united powers hold the key to vanquishing the Darkness.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
Noun
Cost overruns for cargo plane commodes have captured headlines before.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Soon enough, the school's overrun with hyperactive kiddos bouncing off the walls, and the teachers have to devise a plan to burn off this sugar buzz while tracking down the sticky-fingered culprit running loose in their halls.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overrun
Dictionary Entries Near overrun
Cite this Entry
“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrun. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overrun
1 of 2 verb
over·run
ˌō-və(r)-ˈrən
overran
-ˈran
; overrun; overrunning
; overrun; overrunning
1
a
: to invade and occupy
the island was overrun by the enemy
b
: to spread, swarm, or grow over
a garden overrun with weeds
rats overran the ship
2
: to run or go beyond or past
overran third base
the program overran the time allowed
3
: flow over
the river overran its banks
overrun
2 of 2 noun
over·run
ˈō-və(r)-ˌrən
1
: an act or instance of overrunning
2
: the amount by which something overruns
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