work overtime
phrase
: to spend time working at one's job in addition to one's normal working hours
—often used figuratively
Her imagination was working overtime.
He's been working overtime around the house to please his wife.
Examples of work overtime in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As temperatures climb, the greenhouse effect through untreated windows can force air conditioning systems to work overtime, eating both power and money.
—
K.h. Koehler,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Dirty coils, failing components, refrigerant issues, and airflow restrictions can all force your unit to work overtime.
—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
With the rising price of concert tickets, artists must work overtime to make a show worth the trip for many fans.
—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for work overtime
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.
K.h. Koehler,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Dirty coils, failing components, refrigerant issues, and airflow restrictions can all force your unit to work overtime.
—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
With the rising price of concert tickets, artists must work overtime to make a show worth the trip for many fans.
—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for work overtime
Cite this Entry
“Work overtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20overtime. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
