overbuy

American  

[oh-ver-bahy] / ˌoʊ vərˈbaɪ /

verb (used with object)

overbought, overbuying

1. to purchase in excessive quantities.

2. Finance. to buy on margin in excess of one's ability to provide added security in an emergency, as in a falling market.

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verb (used without object)

overbought, overbuying

1. to buy regardless of one's needs or financial means.

Etymology

Origin of overbuy

First recorded in 1400–50, overbuy is from the late Middle English word overbiggen. See over-, buy

Example Sentences

Demand from that market was a major growth driver for chip-equipment makers in recent years, but investors have been worried about U.S. export controls prompting companies in China to overbuy and stockpile unnecessary tools.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 3, 2026

The two things I overbuy the most are vintage jackets and notebooks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

“Before, I would overbuy; I realized I don’t need all of that,” said Ms. Park, who works as a part-time aesthetician and content creator.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2023

“The biggest mistake I see is people overbuy, purchasing a two-stage blower when a single-stage will do,” Werner says.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2021

It was always a weakness in me to overbuy, and in receiving I could never hold a herd down to the agreed numbers, but my shortcomings in this instance proved a boon.

From Reed Anthony, Cowman by Adams, Andy