overtime

American  

[oh-ver-tahym, oh-ver-tahym] / ˈoʊ vərˌtaɪm, ˌoʊ vərˈtaɪm /

noun

1. working time before or after one's regularly scheduled working hours; extra working time.

2. pay for such time (straight time ).

3. time in excess of a prescribed period.

4. Sports. an additional period of play for deciding the winner of a game in which the contestants are tied at the end of the regular playing period.

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adverb

1. during overtime.

   to work overtime.

adjective

1. of or for overtime.

   overtime pay.

verb (used with object)

overtimed, overtiming

1. to give too much time to (a photographic exposure).

overtime British  

noun

1. 1. work at a regular job done in addition to regular working hours

   2. ( as modifier )

      overtime pay

2. the rate of pay established for such work

3. time in excess of a set period

4. sport extra time

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adverb

1. beyond the regular or stipulated time

verb

1. (tr) to exceed the required time for (a photographic exposure)

Etymology

Origin of overtime

First recorded in 1530–40; over- + time

Example Sentences

They also might have changed their behavior by taking on extra shifts or juggling schedules to rely more on tax-advantaged overtime pay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

She found it baffling how employers who reported qualified overtime in Box 14 of employees’ W-2s didn’t calculate it the same way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

But the definition of what kinds of overtime pay qualify is much trickier than just looking at the overtime line on a pay stub.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Sanzenbacher said he’ll be watching whether more salaried workers start reporting overtime pay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“My man needs a little space. His brain’s been working overtime this week.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein