overbuy

American  

[oh-ver-bahy] / ˌoʊ vərˈbaɪ /

verb (used with object)

overbought, overbuying

1. to purchase in excessive quantities.

2. Finance. to buy on margin in excess of one's ability to provide added security in an emergency, as in a falling market.

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verb (used without object)

overbought, overbuying

1. to buy regardless of one's needs or financial means.

Etymology

Origin of overbuy

First recorded in 1400–50, overbuy is from the late Middle English word overbiggen. See over-, buy

Example Sentences

Demand from that market was a major growth driver for chip-equipment makers in recent years, but investors have been worried about U.S. export controls prompting companies in China to overbuy and stockpile unnecessary tools.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 3, 2026

The two things I overbuy the most are vintage jackets and notebooks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

“Do not overbuy, and do not believe and spread rumors. Leave the supermarket quickly after shopping.”

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2022

Try not to overbuy, so you’re not stuck storing more than you’ll use, and make sure everyone in your household knows where these items are located, so they can easily be found and put away.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2021

They can outsail us and keep ahead of us; and they’ll undersell and overbuy us wherever we go.

From Billy Topsail & Company A Story for Boys by Duncan, Norman