overbid

American  

[oh-ver-bid, oh-ver-bid] / ˌoʊ vərˈbɪd, ˈoʊ vərˌbɪd /

verb (used with object)

overbid, overbidding

1. to bid more than the value of (a thing).

   to overbid one's cards.

2. to outbid.

   She overbid him for the painting.

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verb (used without object)

overbid, overbidding

1. to bid more than the actual value or worth.

   a tendency to overbid at auctions; to overbid at bridge.

noun

1. a higher bid.

overbid British  

verb

1. (intr) bridge to bid for more tricks than one can expect to win

2. to bid more than the value of (something)

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noun

1. a bid higher than someone else's bid

Etymology

Origin of overbid

First recorded in 1610–20; over- + bid ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

overbid overbidding

“If there are eight answers, he’ll bid eight, rattle off six answers really quickly and then he’s like, ‘Oh no, I overbid.’

From Washington Post ● Jul. 20, 2017

Meanwhile, some investors say the firm has often overbid for stakes in hot companies, driving up valuations more broadly.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2016

Since three would have been a considerable overbid opposite a balancing overcall, she took the cautious route.

From New York Times ● Dec. 31, 2014

Oil companies overestimated how much these tracts would produce, overbid to secure them, and thus saw poor returns.

From Time ● Jul. 30, 2013

So when the annual choice of pews was sold at auction, he overbid all contestants, and secured its occupancy.

From All's for the Best by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)

“The way the market is, people are just overbidding to just try to get in things.”

From New York Times ● Aug. 30, 2021

Not only would he have fewer points than larger food banks, he also might end up wasting them by overbidding.

From Slate ● Jun. 7, 2016

The contestant whose guess is closest to the actual price, without overbidding, wins the prize and progresses to the more lucrative pricing games where tens of thousands of dollars can be won.

From Slate ● Nov. 13, 2013

Despite the hype surrounding Sundance — publicists sent this reporter 419 unsolicited story pitches tied to the festival — seasoned buyers practiced what Mr. Redford preached and were cautious about overbidding.

From New York Times ● Jan. 27, 2012

But a much more serious failing—and one that is far more universal—is the habit of overbidding.

From Etiquette by Post, Emily