overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
1
: an act of overdrawing at a bank : the state of being overdrawn
also : the sum overdrawn
2
: line of credit

Examples of overdraft 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.
In some pockets, 25-feet-deep cracks furrow the ground, a result of an overdraft of groundwater from the bank of the earth. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 The league maliciously refuses to act like a nice, friendly bank and give us overdraft privileges. — Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Users who struggle with overdrafts or surprise charges may also benefit from the app's alerts and recurring bill reminders. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 June 2026 Automatic payments may bounce, triggering overdraft or returned payment fees. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overdraft

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdraft was in 1812

Rhymes for overdraft

See All Rhymes for overdraft

Browse Nearby Words

overdose
overdraft
overdramatic
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Cite this Entry

“Overdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdraft. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overdraft

noun
over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
: an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

Legal Definition

overdraft

noun
over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft How to pronounce overdraft (audio)
1
: the act or result of drawing on a bank account for more than the balance
also : the amount exceeding the balance in an overdraft
2
: a loan or credit extended on a current account especially to established or institutional customers

More from Merriam-Webster on overdraft

Nglish: Translation of overdraft for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overdraft

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