Standard Lemma guide

overwait

noun · verb · 2 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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  • UK: /ˈəʊvəweɪt/
  • US: ōʹvər-wāt
  • US: /ˈoʊvɚweɪt/
  • rhymes with -eɪt
  • UK: /ˌəʊvəˈweɪt/
  • US: ō'vər-wātʹ
  • US: /ˌoʊvɚˈweɪt/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The period of time one overwaits; an excessive duration of waiting; delay.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To wait for an excessive amount of time; wait beyond the time allowed or expected; wait too long.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From over- + wait.