overlap

[ verb oh-ver-lap; noun oh-ver-lap ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·lapped, o·ver·lap·ping.

1. to lap over (something else or each other); extend over and cover a part of; imbricate.
2. to cover and extend beyond (something else):

   The ends of cloth overlap the table.

3. to coincide in part with; have in common with:

   two lives that overlapped each other.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·lapped, o·ver·lap·ping.

1. to lap over:

   two sales territories that overlap; fields of knowledge that overlap.

noun

1. an act or instance of overlapping.
2. the extent or amount of overlapping:

   The second story of the building has an overlap of ten feet.

3. an overlapping part.
4. the place of overlapping.
5. (in yacht racing) the position of two yachts side by side such that the overtaking boat, to pass the other on the opposite side, must fall back, or such that neither can turn toward the other without danger of collision.

overlap

verb

1. (of two things) to extend or lie partly over (each other)
2. to cover and extend beyond (something)
3. intr to coincide partly in time, subject, etc

noun

1. a part that overlaps or is overlapped
2. the amount, length, etc, overlapping
3. the act or fact of overlapping
4. a place of overlapping
5. geology the horizontal extension of the upper beds in a series of rock strata beyond the lower beds, usually caused by submergence of the land

Other Words From

• nono·ver·lapping adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overlap¹

First recorded in 1685–95; over- + lap ²

Example Sentences

Lutnick, a native of Long Island, New York, is a long-time Republican and supporter of Trump, with whom he overlapped in the New York social scene.

From BBC

Firstly, water vapor interferes and overlaps with the absorption spectra of many gases in the standard infrared ranges normally used for detection.

From Science Daily

Flynn added that he wanted to keep his Westminster seat, which overlaps with part of the Holyrood seat he hopes to contest, to avoid causing a costly by-election.

From BBC

The authors say this may be so they can avoid overlapping with male lions, who pose a threat to them and their kittens.

From Science Daily

The city’s pursuit of a third Olympics has stretched for so long that it overlaps with Trump’s first term.

From Los Angeles Times