overseas

1 of 2

adverb

over·​seas ˌō-vər-ˈsēz How to pronounce overseas (audio)
Synonyms of overseasnext
: beyond or across the sea
lived overseas for a time

overseas

2 of 2

adjective

over·​seas ˈō-vər-ˌsēz How to pronounce overseas (audio)
1
: of or relating to movement, transport, or communication over the sea
an overseas liner
2
: situated, originating in, or relating to lands beyond the sea
overseas installations
overseas immigrants

Examples of overseas in a Sentence

Adverb The troops were sent overseas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
For years, the NBA has explored the possibility of establishing a competition overseas. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Hezonga, drafted fifth overall in 2015, returns to the NBA after nine years overseas. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Washington could also consider moving some command and coordination functions to the United States or to safer overseas locations, including in Europe and Diego Garcia, and develop its capacity for replenishing naval operations at sea. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 But Rankin mentions a Japanese mobster who was asked what the arrival of overseas competitors meant for the ancient codes of yakuza chivalry. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overseas

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1533, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overseas was in 1533

Phrases Containing overseas

Rhymes for overseas

See All Rhymes for overseas

Browse Nearby Words

overseamer
overseas
overseas cap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overseas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overseas. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overseas

adverb or adjective
over·​seas
-ˈsēz, 
-ˌsēz
: beyond or across the sea

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