# overlap

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌəʊvəˈlæp/ · frequency rank #11,259

## Definitions
1. To extend over and partly cover something.
2. To co-occur, to happen at the same time.
3. To have an area, range, character or function in common.
4. Of sets: to have some elements in common.
5. To have some similar nucleotide sequences.
6. An illusion of depth is created when one object partially covers another.

## Etymology
From over- + lap.
Cognate with Dutch overlap.

## Easily confused with
- **overly** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlap-vs-overly)
- **oversaw** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlap-vs-oversaw)
- **overlay** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlap-vs-overlay)
- **overran** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlap-vs-overran)
- **overload** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlap-vs-overload)
- **overland** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overland-vs-overlap)
- **overlaid** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overlaid-vs-overlap)

## Common misspellings (10)
`oevrlap`, `ovelrap`, `overalp`, `overlapp`, `overllap`, `overlpa`, `overrlap`, `ovrelap`, `ovverlap`, `voerlap`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/overlap