overbuy

verb

over·​buy ˌō-vər-ˈbī How to pronounce overbuy (audio)
overbought ˌō-vər-ˈbȯt How to pronounce overbuy (audio) ; overbuying

transitive verb

: to buy in excess of needs or demand

intransitive verb

: to make purchases beyond one's needs or in excess of one's ability to pay

Examples of overbuy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And again: Don’t overbuy. Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2021 Store extra office supplies somewhere convenient and accessible, and don’t overbuy. Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2021 Compounding the matter, some people continue to overbuy items for their household out of fear there will be a shortage, and that can raise prices. Max Ufberg, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2021 However, remember to not overbuy, so your neighbors can have some, too. Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overbuy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbuy was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near overbuy

Cite this Entry

“Overbuy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbuy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

overbuy

verb
over·​buy ˌō-vər-ˈbī How to pronounce overbuy (audio)
overbought -ˈbȯt How to pronounce overbuy (audio) ; overbuying
: to buy more than is needed or can be afforded
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