# overran

/ˈoʊvɝˈɹæn/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəɹˈæn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overran
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to take control of a place by force, or to go beyond a limit like a time or a budget. You use this when something finishes later than planned or when one group takes over another.

For teachers: to take control of a place or situation by force; to exceed a specified limit, such as a time or budget. Often used in the passive voice to describe a schedule or deadline being missed.

## Examples

- The meeting overran by twenty minutes because of the long discussion.
- The budget for the new office project overran significantly, forcing the manager to find cheaper alternatives for the furniture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.