How to pronounce overstay
Say it like oh-vers-TAY. Overstay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overstay. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- oh
- vers
- TAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overstay pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- versKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of overstay
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: oh-vus-TAY.
What does overstay mean?
- To remain present after the agreed or appropriate departure time.
- To remain present beyond the limits of.“He overstayed his welcome.”
- The act of staying too long.
Where does overstay come from?
From over- + stay.
Words that rhyme with overstay
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of overstay.
Questions about saying overstay
How do you pronounce overstay?
Say oh-vers-TAY. The American pronunciation is /ˌoʊvɚsˈteɪ/. In British English it is /ˌəʊvəsˈteɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overstay?
Overstay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY). Broken into parts: oh · vers · TAY.
Is overstay pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌəʊvəsˈteɪ/ (oh-vus-TAY).