overbid

verb

over·​bid ˌō-vər-ˈbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
overbid; overbidding

intransitive verb

1
: to bid in excess of value
2
a
: to bid more than the scoring capacity of a hand at cards
b
British : to make a higher bid than the preceding one

transitive verb

: to bid beyond or in excess of
especially : to bid more than the value of (one's hand at cards)
overbid
ˈō-vər-ˌbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
noun

Examples of overbid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Buyers no longer have to overbid by enormous sums or sweeten deals with outrageous promises. — Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2022 And so we’re met with Americans who overbid at mule auctions or overbuy on the internet. — Matt Damsker, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2021 But until then, beware, especially since the market seems to be overbidding the weakest performer of these three funds. — Michael Foster, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 The next three years were dominated by battles with the AFL as each league bid — and overbid — for players. — Barry Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2019 But, a wrinkle in the program’s design allows plans to reap higher revenue from overbidding—while also keeping premiums low. — Christopher Weaver, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2019 Bidding war winners who overbid by 20-30 percent typically waive inspections and appraisals to close. — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025 In addition, inventory levels have increased, giving buyers more choices and reducing the urgency to overbid on properties. — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbid was circa 1616

Rhymes for overbid

See All Rhymes for overbid

Browse Nearby Words

overbias
overbid
overbill
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Cite this Entry

“Overbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

overbid

verb
over·​bid ˌō-vər-ˈbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
overbid; overbidding
: to bid too high
overbid
ˈō-vər-ˌbid How to pronounce overbid (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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