B2adverbtraveltransport
US/ˈoʊ.vər.bɔːrd/
UK/ˈəʊ.və.bɔːd/
from a ship or boat into the sea; also, too far or to an extreme degree
More often (adverb): to go too far or do too much
In context
A passenger fell overboard during the storm and was rescued an hour later.
The crew threw the heavy boxes overboard to make the boat lighter.
Don't go overboard with the decorations; the office is small.
Words that go with overboard
verb + adverb
- fall overboardDon't fall overboard near the harbor.
- go overboardPlease don't go overboard on the budget.
- throw overboardThe sailors had to throw the cargo overboard.
- jump overboardHe jumped overboard to save the child.
- wash overboardA big wave washed him overboard.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He fell overboard the ship.Correct: He fell overboard from the ship.