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

He thinks he will have to pay employees overtime and add a temporary accountant to his staff of 48 to help sort through thousands of orders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

There are new forms for 2025 income taxes: The IRS introduced Schedule 1-A, a new two-page form for claiming specific deductions, including for service tips, overtime pay.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

With many dependent on overtime pay and on rolling three-month contracts, anxiety was high.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

But with no extra employees, overtime slashed, and continued pressure to deliver parcels, they say it is often not possible to take the post as well.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

My mother was exhausted from working overtime whenever she could.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata