Dictionary
1overlook
verb over·look \-ˈlu̇k\
: to fail to see or notice (something)
: to pay no attention to (something)
: to not consider (someone) for a job, position, promotion, etc.
Full Definition of OVERLOOK
transitive verb
1
: to look over : inspect
2
a : to look down upon from above b : to rise above or afford a view of
4
5
: to look on with the evil eye : bewitch
See overlook defined for English-language learners
See overlook defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of OVERLOOK
14th century
Synonym Discussion of OVERLOOK
neglect, disregard, ignore, overlook, slight, forget mean to pass over without giving due attention. neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention <habitually neglected his studies>. disregard suggests voluntary inattention <disregarded the wishes of his family>. ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious <ignored the snide remark>. overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care <in my rush I overlooked a key example>. slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting <slighted several major authors in her survey>. forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind <forget what others say>.
Rhymes with OVERLOOK
Beaverbrook, bring to book, buttonhook, cock a snook, comic book, copybook, donnybrook, gerenuk, grappling hook, inglenook, in one's book, Leeuwenhoek, off the hook, overbook, picture book, pocketbook, pressure-cook, pruning hook, Sandy Hook, service book, statute book, storybook, talking book, tenterhook, Volapük
2overlook
noun over·look \ˈō-vər-ˌlu̇k\
Definition of OVERLOOK
: a place from which one may look down on a scene below <plenty of overlooks and trails — Thelma H. Bell>
First Known Use of OVERLOOK
1861
Related to OVERLOOK
- Synonyms
- observatory, outlook, lookout
OVERLOOK Defined for Kids
overlook
verb over·look \ˌō-vər-ˈlu̇k\
over·lookedover·look·ing
Definition of OVERLOOK for Kids
1
: to look down upon or provide a view of from above <The house overlooks a valley.>
2
: to fail to see : miss <The detective overlooked an important clue.>
3
: to pay no attention to : ignore <I'll overlook the mistake this time.>
Learn More About OVERLOOK
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: overlookerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: overlockAll Words Near: overlook
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up overlook? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).