overgrow
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to grow over; cover with a growth of something.
-
to grow beyond, grow too large for, or outgrow.
-
to outdo in growing; choke or supplant by a more exuberant growth.
verb (used without object)
-
to grow to excess; grow too large.
When the vegetable overgrows, it tends to be woody.
-
to become grown over, as with weeds.
An untended garden will quickly overgrow.
verb
-
(tr) to grow over or across (an area, path, lawn, etc)
-
(tr) to choke or supplant by a stronger growth
-
(tr) to grow too large for
-
(intr) to grow beyond normal size
Other Word Forms
- overgrowth noun
Etymology
Origin of overgrow
First recorded in 1300–50, overgrow is from the Middle English word overgrowen. See over-, grow
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Jaynes said Gaon is a private man who obtained a biology degree in college and allows the vegetation in his front yard to overgrow so he can observe butterflies and other insects.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025
Don’t let plants overgrow them, and make sure no dirt or debris is getting in.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2023
People who take high doses of antibiotics tend to lose many of their normal gut bacteria, allowing a naturally antibiotic-resistant species called Clostridium difficile to overgrow and cause severe gastric problems, especially chronic diarrhea.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
The vines of a single zucchini or butternut squash can easily overgrow your entire raised bed.
From Salon • May 22, 2022
The density of the forest is greatly augmented by the cip�s, or lianas, which overgrow the largest trees to their tops, and by a profusion of epiphytes which cover the highest branches.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
