overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk How to pronounce overtake (audio)
overtook ˌō-vər-ˈtu̇k How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaken ˌō-vər-ˈtā-kən How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaking

transitive verb

1
a
: to catch up with
b
: to catch up with and pass by
2
: to come upon suddenly

Examples of overtake in a Sentence

She overtook the other runners and went on to win the race. The sign says “No Overtaking.” Seasickness can overtake passengers when the ship encounters a storm.
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.
However, in 2023, Dr. Pepper overtook Pepsi as the No. 2 bestselling soda on the list. Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 May 2025 The principality’s narrow streets are particularly ill-suited to the current Formula 1 cars and make overtaking all but impossible. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 In a 2023 report, Goldman Sachs (GS) projected India could overtake the U.S. by 2075 to become the second-largest economy in the world. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 23 May 2025 For all the chatter about the race format rule changes for this weekend’s Monaco race, Verstappen’s one-lap prowess this year could earn him a third win in the season’s first eight events, given the ongoing overtaking challenge in that sunny place for shady people. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtake

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtake was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overtake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtake. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

overtake

verb
over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk How to pronounce overtake (audio)
overtook -ˈtu̇k How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaken -ˈtā-kən How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaking
1
a
: to catch up with
b
: to catch up with and pass by
2
: to come upon suddenly
a blizzard overtook the hunting party

More from Merriam-Webster on overtake

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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