oversubscribe

1 of 2

verb

over·​sub·​scribe ˌō-vər-səb-ˈskrīb How to pronounce oversubscribe (audio)
oversubscribed; oversubscribing; oversubscribes

transitive verb

: to subscribe for more of than is available
oversubscription
ˌō-vər-səb-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce oversubscribe (audio)
noun

oversubscription

2 of 2

noun

: the act or an instance of oversubscribing
oversubscriptions became the rule—M. S. Kendrick

Examples of oversubscribe 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.
Verb
The show is sought out, almost oversubscribed, for the guests that want to be on the show. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 Talk like someone who is oversubscribed Language gives you away. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 If the fund is oversubscribed, priority will be given to projects prepared to close this year, and projects that produce the greatest number of units. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026 The offering was reported to be oversubscribed four times over by big institutional investors. — Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oversubscribe

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from oversubscribe, after English subscribe : subscription

First Known Use

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversubscribe was in 1891

Rhymes for oversubscribe

See All Rhymes for oversubscribe

Browse Nearby Words

overstuff
oversubscribe
oversubscription
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

oversubscribe

verb
over·​sub·​scribe -səb-ˈskrīb How to pronounce oversubscribe (audio)
: to subscribe for more of than is available
oversubscribe a stock issue
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