overlap

[oh-ver-lap, oh-ver-lap]

verb (used with object)

overlapped, overlapping 

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)

overlapped, overlapping 

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 Word Forms

• nonoverlapping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overlap¹

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

Example Sentences

I was constantly overlapping relationships, always either running away from someone or toward someone else.

From Los Angeles Times

She points out that Apple makes airpods and wearables in Vietnam, and iPhones in India, and so there would be no overlap.

From BBC

It was preferable for federal government to handle such matters to avoid overlapping jurisdictions, said Sarah Bauerle Danzman, from the Atlantic Council think tank.

From BBC

Jars clink when they’re stacked, metal scoops scrape against bins and the air carries the overlapping scents of a thousand kitchens.

From Salon

“The skill of being in a TV room is: How well can you service the voice of someone else? How can you find the most overlap between yourself and whoever’s running the show?”

From Los Angeles Times