noun · verb · 14 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
ōʹvə-lăp'
/ˈəʊvəˌlæp/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
ōʹvər-lăp'
/ˈoʊvɚˌlæp/
rhymes with -æp
ō'və-lăpʹ
/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/
ō'vər-lăpʹ
/ˌoʊvɚˈlæp/
CMU ARPABET:OW1 V ER0 L AE2 P
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
Something that overlaps or is overlapped.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
a situation in the game where an attacking line has more players in it than the defensive line coming to meet it. The attacking side may exploit the overlap by using their superior numbers to break the opposition's defensive line. If attackers outnumber defenders by more than one player this is often termed a two man overlap or three man overlap, etc. If the attacking side fails to break through usually due to poor execution, they are said to waste an overlap.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The payment of a spouse's or other dependant's annuity benefits concurrently with the member's benefits, on death of the member during the guarantee period.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Qualifier: pensions
Topics: business, insurance
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
verb
Meaning 4
To extend over and partly cover something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
The mouse-mat overlapped the edge of the desk.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: lap
Antonyms: none provided
5
verb
Meaning 5
To co-occur, to happen at the same time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To have an area, range, character or function in common.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
The two maps overlapped at the east and west edges.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
Of sets: to have some elements in common.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Topics: mathematics, sciences
Examples
The set (all men) overlaps the set (vegetarians).
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To have some similar nucleotide sequences.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract