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overpass

A section of a road or path that crosses over an obstacle, especially another road, railway, etc.

ˈəʊvə(ɹ)pæsCurrent200 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

A section of a road or path that crosses over an obstacle, especially another road, railway, etc.

The homeless man had built a little shelter, complete with cook-stove, beneath a concrete overpass.
For parents

"overpass" means: A section of a road or path that crosses over an obstacle, especially another road, railway, etc.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"overpass" means: A section of a road or path that crosses over an obstacle, especially another road, railway, etc.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Heard in the wild
  • “IIO launches probe after woman standing outside safety railing on Abbotsford overpass falls, suffers injuries”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Cleared: Collision on I-5 NB at MP 1.9 near SR 500/39th street has the EB lane of the overpass blocked, use caution beginning at 8:20 am on May 5, 2026 until further notice.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Hey what ever happened to those people who for YEARS every Saturday would meet on an overpass on RT 24S with all those Trump signs? Also the flags on cars? Hey wha happened”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “A large truck hit an overpass as it was traveling on Madison's east side on Friday before noon.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “One day checking in on current events won’t immediately make me feel like hurling myself off an overpass and I can’t wait for that day to come.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

To pass above something, as when flying or moving on a higher road.

Gillian watched the overpassing shoppers on the second floor of the mall, as she relaxed in the bench on the ground floor.
Cluster: drugs
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(transitive) To exceed, overstep, or transcend a limit, threshold, or goal.

Marshall was really overpassing his authority when he ordered the security guards to fire their tasers at the trespassers.
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For specific readers

"overpass" means: A section of a road or path that crosses over an obstacle, especially another road, railway, etc.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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