overland

1 of 2

adverb

over·​land ˈō-vər-ˌland How to pronounce overland (audio)
-lənd
: by, on, or across land

overland

2 of 2

adjective

: going or accomplished over the land instead of by sea
overland emigrants
an overland route

Examples of overland in a Sentence

Adverb We traveled overland by horse to the mountains.
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.
Adverb
Since then, Nok’s adventures have only grown bolder, with trips overland from Egypt to East Asia. — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026 Iraq has resorted to exporting oil overland through Syria as a result of the Strait of Hormuz closure. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The search for overland routes for oil and other goods has led directly to Syria, an old crossroads revived. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2026 The new Sharjah-Oman overland route will mainly handle consumer goods, however, not oil and gas, which require larger vessels. — May 19, CBS News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overland

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overland was in the 12th century

Rhymes for overland

See All Rhymes for overland

Browse Nearby Words

overladen
overland
overlander
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overland. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overland

adverb or adjective
over·​land
ˈō-vər-ˌland, 
-lənd
: by, on, or across land

More from Merriam-Webster on overland

Nglish: Translation of overland for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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