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.

---

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

---

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

He has been given permission by a judge to seek treatment overseas.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Many states allow ballots from military and overseas voters to arrive after Election Day so long as they were mailed before the deadline.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

He noted that he has performed for troops at Fort Campbell and overseas.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

A nationwide downturn in U.S. film and TV production caused a 30% employment drop from late-2022, as studios seek overseas tax breaks and streaming services cut spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The army gave him a month’s leave before sending him overseas, and de la O went home to see his friends and family.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Related Words

• abroad
• foreign