overlap
oh-vuh-LAP
Overlap (verb) means to extend over part of something else, partly covering it. Example: “The tiles are laid so each one overlaps the next.”
verb
1
To extend over part of something else, partly covering it.
"The tiles are laid so each one overlaps the next."
"Slates on the roof overlap so that rainwater runs off them."
"If the two sheets of paper overlap slightly, the glue will hold them together."
2
To share part of the same time, space, or subject matter with something else.
"Our shifts overlap by about an hour, so we can hand things over properly."
"Their research interests overlap quite a bit."
"The two meetings overlap, so I will have to leave one early."
noun
1
A part shared in common, or the act of overlapping.
"There's a lot of overlap between the two job descriptions."
"The overlap between the two courses meant I had already learned the basics."
"There was a small overlap in the paint where the two coats met."
How to use overlap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTwo things partly covering, sharing, or coinciding with each other.
Common pairings
overlap with
significant overlap
overlapping shifts
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Word forms
- Plural
- overlaps
- Third person singular
- overlaps
- Past tense
- overlapped
Fill the gap
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The tiles are laid so each one _____ the next.
Etymology
From over- + lap (in the sense of one thing folding or lying over another); related to Dutch overlap.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “overlap” mean?
The word “overlap” means to extend over part of something else, partly covering it. In plain terms, two things partly covering, sharing, or coinciding with each other.
How do you pronounce “overlap”?
“Overlap” is pronounced oh-vuh-LAP (/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “overlap” in a sentence?
Here is “overlap” used in a sentence: “The tiles are laid so each one overlaps the next.”
What part of speech is “overlap”?
Depending on how it is used, “overlap” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “overlap” come from?
The word “overlap” comes from Dutch. From over- + lap (in the sense of one thing folding or lying over another); related to Dutch overlap.
Is “overlap” a common word?
“Overlap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “overlap” have?
“Overlap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to extend over part of something else, partly covering it.
What is the difference between overlap and intersect?
Overlap means to extend over part of something else or to share part of the same time, space, or subject matter, while intersect more specifically means to cross at a point. Two schedules can overlap without literally crossing, but overlap is the more natural word for shared time or content.
Can overlap be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, overlap functions as both. As a verb it means to partly cover or share something with another thing, and as a noun it refers to the shared part itself, as in there is some overlap between the two reports.
What is the difference between overlap and duplicate?
Overlap describes partial sharing, where two things coincide in only some respects, while duplicate implies something is copied or repeated in full. Two job roles might overlap in a few duties without either role duplicating the other.
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