over·night
ˌō-vər-ˈnīt 
1
a
: on the evening before
b
: during the night
stayed away overnight
2
: very quickly or suddenly
became famous overnight
over·night
ˌō-vər-ˈnīt
over·night
ˈō-vər-ˌnīt
ˌō-vər-ˈnīt
ˌō-vər-ˈnīt
overnighted; overnighting; overnights
: to stay overnight
: to send (something, such as a package or letter) by a mail service for delivery within one day's time
over·night
ˈō-vər-ˌnīt
: an overnight stay
Examples of overnight in a Sentence
Adverb
He stayed overnight and went home the next day.
Let the paint dry overnight.
The novel made her famous overnight.
Adjective
They went on an overnight bus trip.
Overnight guests are not allowed in the dormitory.
The show was an overnight success.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025
Five years ago, Covid took hold and the world transformed almost overnight.
—Jenna Russell, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Leonard Armato, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Rub the overnight foot cream formulated with ingredients like aloe, glycerin, urea, coconut oil, and lavender essential oil on your feet and pop it on the reusable pair of breathable foot sleeves.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Star Legend will sail 16 week-long cruises between Rome and Barcelona, visiting Florence and Pisa in Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco (where the ship will overnight); and Marseille, France.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2023
Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025
Harvey Weinstein Sues Brother Bob for Fraud Harvey is alleging fraud and conspiracy.
overnights 2:30 p.m.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overnight
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adverb
Houses of faith stopped holding in-person services overnight.
—Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025
Five years ago, Covid took hold and the world transformed almost overnight.
—Jenna Russell, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Viral moments create instant brand appeal: A game-winning shot, an electric post game interview, or an iconic dunk can turn an unknown player into an overnight sensation.
—Leonard Armato, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Rub the overnight foot cream formulated with ingredients like aloe, glycerin, urea, coconut oil, and lavender essential oil on your feet and pop it on the reusable pair of breathable foot sleeves.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
My bank promised to overnight a new card to my address but then sent it to the wrong address – my U.S. residence instead of my Swiss address.
—Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Star Legend will sail 16 week-long cruises between Rome and Barcelona, visiting Florence and Pisa in Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco (where the ship will overnight); and Marseille, France.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2023
Noun
Damaging winds, large hail and brief tornadoes on Sunday afternoon will be possible for the Southeast, while heavy rain and damaging wind threat will reach the Northeast Sunday evening into the overnight.
—Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025
Harvey Weinstein Sues Brother Bob for Fraud Harvey is alleging fraud and conspiracy.
overnights 2:30 p.m.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overnight
Cite this Entry
“Overnight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overnight. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overnight
1 of 2 adverb
over·night
ˌō-vər-ˈnīt
1
: on or during the evening or night
stayed away overnight
2
: very quickly or suddenly
became famous overnight
overnight
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, lasting, or staying the night
overnight trip
an overnight guest
2
: sudden sense 1
overnight stardom
3
: traveling during the night
an overnight train
4
: delivered within one day's time
overnight mail
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share