overlap

/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: overlaps · overlapping · overlapped

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To extend over and partly cover something.

Verb

Examples

The mouse-mat overlapped the edge of the desk.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To co-occur, to happen at the same time.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Something that overlaps or is overlapped.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

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 u

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “overlap” mean?

To extend over and partly cover something.

Is “overlap” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.