How to pronounce overtime
Say it like OH-ver-tyme. Overtime has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overtime. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- ver
- tyme
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overtime pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tymeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of overtime
- 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-vuh-tyme.
What does overtime mean?
- work done in addition to regular working hours
- playing time beyond regulation, to break a tie
- beyond the regular time“she often has to work overtime”
Where does overtime come from?
From over- + time.
Questions about saying overtime
How do you pronounce overtime?
Say OH-ver-tyme. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvɚˌtaɪm/. In British English it is /ˈəʊvəˌtaɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overtime?
Overtime has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · ver · tyme.
Is overtime 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 /ˈəʊvəˌtaɪm/ (OH-vuh-tyme).