overseas

American  

[oh-ver-seez, oh-ver-seez] / ˌoʊ vərˈsiz, ˈoʊ vərˈsiz /

especially British, oversea

adverb

1. over, across, or beyond the sea; abroad.

   to be sent overseas.

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adjective

1. of or relating to passage over the sea.

   overseas travel.

2. situated beyond the sea.

   overseas territories.

3. pertaining to countries, associations, activities, etc., beyond the sea.

   overseas military service; overseas commitments.

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) countries or territories across the sea or ocean.

overseas British  

adverb

1. beyond the sea; abroad

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adjective

1. of, to, in, from, or situated in countries beyond the sea

2. Also: oversea.  of or relating to passage over the sea

noun

1. informal (functioning as singular) a foreign country or foreign countries collectively

Etymology

Origin of overseas

before 1150; oversea ( Middle English overse, Old English ofer sǣ; over-, sea ) + -s ³ or -s ¹

Example Sentences

But people familiar with the program say the government has been slow-walking the funding, leaving many overseas programs uncertain how to operate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"We will continue working relentlessly with the French and our partners overseas to prevent these perilous journeys."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

California gets 20% of its jet fuel from overseas, most from South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Shares of other engine suppliers, including Safran and Rolls-Royce, rose 10.6% and 11.9% in overseas trading on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

While Elizabeth Cady Stanton was overseas, Susan B. Anthony continued to be singularly devoted to the cause of female suffrage.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• abroad
• foreign