overland

¹ American  

[oh-ver-land, -luhnd] / ˈoʊ vərˌlænd, -lənd /

adverb

1. by land; on terrain.

   to travel overland rather than by sea.

2. over or across the land.

   a road that winds overland.

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adjective

1. proceeding, performed, or carried on overland.

   the overland route to the West.

Overland ² American  

[oh-ver-luhnd] / ˈoʊ vər lənd /

noun

1. a city in E Missouri, near St. Louis.

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overland British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌlænd /

adjective

1. over or across land

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verb

1. history to drive (cattle or sheep) overland

Other Word Forms

• overlander noun

Etymology

Origin of overland

First recorded in 1325–75, overland is from the Middle English word overlond. See over-, land

Example Sentences

The World Health Organization has sent a first humanitarian convoy overland to Lebanon, which has now reached Syria.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

A Russian emergency services flight evacuated 117 citizens, including 54 children, from Azerbaijan after they left Iran overland across the border.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

There in Africa, smugglers link up with al Qaeda-affiliated groups that escort the cargoes north and extort payments from the overland convoys, said current and former rebel leaders in northern Mali.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

The French foreign ministry advised citizens to depart on commercial flights while they are still available, and to avoid overland travel.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025

For obscure places or sailings out of season, he had to make do with passage to someplace near his destination and complete his journey aboard smaller coastal craft or overland.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro