overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

1

: an act of overdrawing at a bank : the state of being overdrawn

also : the sum overdrawn

2

: line of credit

Examples of overdraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau previously estimated that consumers spend $17 billion on overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Instead, the Dolphins added 13 players who had some combination of size, physicality and versatility, eschewing popular perception that sees many teams overdraft players based solely on need. —Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

No-fee overdraft protection Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026

The league maliciously refuses to act like a nice, friendly bank and give us overdraft privileges. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overdraft

• allograft
• autograft
• autographed
• countershaft
• handicraft
• homograft
• hovercraft
• lithographed
• photographed
• rotorcraft
• telegraphed
• understaffed

Kids Definition

overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

: an overdrawing of a bank account or the amount overdrawn

Legal Definition

overdraft

noun

over·​draft ˈō-vər-ˌdraft 

1

: the act or result of drawing on a bank account for more than the balance

also : the amount exceeding the balance in an overdraft

2

: a loan or credit extended on a current account especially to established or institutional customers