overwrite

American  

[oh-ver-rahyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈraɪt /

verb (used with object)

overwrote, overwritten, overwriting

1. to write in too elaborate, burdensome, diffuse, or prolix a style.

   He overwrites his essays to the point of absurdity.

2. to write in excess of the requirements, especially so as to defeat the original intention.

   That young playwright tends to overwrite her big scenes.

3. to write on or over; cover with writing.

   a flyleaf overwritten with a dedication.

---

verb (used without object)

overwrote, overwritten, overwriting

1. to write too elaborately.

   The problem with so many young authors is that they tend to overwrite.

overwrite British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈraɪt /

verb

1. to write (something) in an excessively ornate or prolix style

2. to write too much about (someone or something)

3. to write on top of (other writing)

4. to record on a storage medium, such as a magnetic disk, thus destroying what was originally recorded there

---

Etymology

Origin of overwrite

First recorded in 1690–1700; over- + write

Example Sentences

Depending on the rules you’ve set for yourself, this might be the moment for a small, intentional grocery shop: a handful of items meant to support what’s already in your kitchen, not overwrite it.

From Salon

Instead of overwriting the building’s industrial character, he retained exposed trusses, concrete floors and vast, column-free volumes, ideal for contemporary art.

From Los Angeles Times

The head of the courts service in England and Wales has apologised for failing to tell ministers and judges sooner about an IT bug that caused evidence to go missing, be overwritten or appear lost.

From BBC

“Mask & Bone” by Jamesie Fournier is a slightly overwritten but otherwise masterly unmasking of ordinary family life that reveals ancient secrets and generational trauma of the supernatural kind.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before he abandons his original directive entirely, an effect of it being overwritten by other programming, he warns Rain that she won’t see him like a child anymore.

From Salon