overlap — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To extend over and partly cover something.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   lap

   Examples

   The mouse-mat overlapped the edge of the desk.

2. To co-occur, to happen at the same time.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

3. To have an area, range, character or function in common.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

   Examples

   The two maps overlapped at the east and west edges.

   More examples (1)

   Memento unfolds over 22 scenes—or, more accurately, 22 strands of time, the main strand (in color) moving backward in increments, and another strand (in black and white) going forward, though the two overlap profoundly.

4. Of sets: to have some elements in common.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

   Examples

   The set (all men) overlaps the set (vegetarians).

5. To have some similar nucleotide sequences.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

6. An illusion of depth is created when one object partially covers another.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

Noun

1. Something that overlaps or is overlapped.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

2. a situation in the game where an attacking line has more players in it than the defensive line coming to meet it. The attacking side may exploit the overlap by using their superior numbers to break the opposition's defensive line. If attackers outnumber defenders by more than one player this is often termed a two man overlap or three man overlap, etc. If the attacking side fails to break through usually due to poor execution, they are said to waste an overlap.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

3. The payment of a spouse's or other dependant's annuity benefits concurrently with the member's benefits, on death of the member during the guarantee period.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

Noun

1. a representation of common ground between theories or phenomena

   Synonyms

   convergenceintersection

   Broader terms

   representationmental representationinternal representation

   Examples

   there was no overlap between their proposals

2. the property of partial coincidence in time

   Broader terms

   concurrencecoincidenceconjunctionco-occurrence

3. a flap that lies over another part

   Synonyms

   lap

   Broader terms

   flap

   Examples

   the lap of the shingles should be at least ten inches

Verb

1. coincide partially or wholly

   Broader terms

   coincideco-occurcooccur

   Examples

   Our vacations overlap

2. extend over and cover a part of

   Broader terms

   covercontinueextend

   Examples

   The roofs of the houses overlap in this crowded city