verb
Uncommon
overrun
oh-vuh-RUHN
Overrun (verb) means to spread over or invade a place in large numbers, often taking full control of it. Example: “The garden was completely overrun with weeds.”
verb
1
To spread over or invade a place in large numbers, often taking full control of it.
"The garden was completely overrun with weeds."
"Enemy forces overran the border town within days."
2
To go on for longer than planned.
"The meeting overran by almost an hour."
noun
1
An amount by which something has gone beyond its planned budget, time, or capacity.
"The project suffered a huge cost overrun."
How to use overrun
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo spread over something uncontrollably, or to go on past a planned limit (of time, cost, etc).
Common pairings
cost overrun
overrun with
overrun by weeds
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Word forms
- Plural
- overruns
- Third person singular
- overruns
- Past tense
- overran
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The garden was completely _____ with weeds.
Etymology
Built from over- + run.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “overrun” mean?
The word “overrun” means to spread over or invade a place in large numbers, often taking full control of it. In plain terms, to spread over something uncontrollably, or to go on past a planned limit (of time, cost, etc).
How do you pronounce “overrun”?
“Overrun” is pronounced oh-vuh-RUHN (/ˌoʊ.vɚˈɹʌn/ in IPA).
How do you use “overrun” in a sentence?
Here is “overrun” used in a sentence: “The garden was completely overrun with weeds.”
What part of speech is “overrun”?
Depending on how it is used, “overrun” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “overrun” a common word?
“Overrun” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “overrun” have?
“Overrun” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spread over or invade a place in large numbers, often taking full control of it.
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