Dictionary
overwork
verb over·work \ˌō-vər-ˈwərk\
: to work too hard
: to use (something) too much or too often
: to work on (something) too much
Full Definition of OVERWORK
transitive verb
1
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion <overworked the horses>
2
a : to work too much on <overwork bread dough> b : to make excessive use of <overworked tunes>
intransitive verb
: to work too much or too long : overdo
— overwork noun
See overwork defined for English-language learners
See overwork defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of OVERWORK
1530
Rhymes with OVERWORK
Atatürk, basketwork, bodywork, busywork, cabinetwork, city clerk, clean-and-jerk, crewelwork, donkeywork, fancywork, handiwork, journeywork, lacquerwork, latticework, leatherwork, masterwork, metalwork, needlework, openwork, out of work, paperwork, plasterwork, shipping clerk, social work, soda jerk, stated clerk, trestlework, wickerwork, wonderwork
OVERWORKED Defined for Kids
1overwork
verb over·work \ˌō-vər-ˈwərk\
over·workedover·work·ing
Definition of OVERWORK for Kids
1
: to work or cause to work too much or too hard <The captain overworked the crew.>
2
: to use too much or too often <overworked phrases>
2overwork
noun
Definition of OVERWORK for Kids
: too much work <They were exhausted from overwork.>
Medical Dictionary
overwork
transitive verb over·work \ˌō-vər-ˈwərk\
Medical Definition of OVERWORK
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion
intransitive verb
: to work too much or too long
—overwork noun
Learn More About OVERWORK
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up overwork? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).