verb , noun
■ verb / ˌəʊvəˈlæp; NAmE ˌoʊvərˈlæp/ ( -pp- )
1.
if one thing overlaps another, or the two things overlap , part of one thing covers part of the other :
[ vn ]
A fish's scales overlap each other
[ v ]
The floor was protected with overlapping sheets of newspaper.
2.
[ vn ] to make two or more things overlap :
You will need to overlap the pieces of wood slightly.
3.
[ v , vn ] if two events overlap or overlap each other, the second one starts before the first one has finished
4.
overlap (with sth) to cover part of the same area of interest, knowledge, responsibility, etc. :
[ v ]
Our jobs overlap slightly, which sometimes causes difficulties.
The language of science overlaps with that of everyday life.
[also vn ]
■ noun / ˈəʊvəlæp; NAmE ˈoʊvərlæp/
1.
[ C , U ] overlap (between sth and sth) a shared area of interest, knowledge, responsibility, etc. :
There is (a) considerable overlap between the two subjects.
2.
[ C , U ] the amount by which one thing covers another thing :
an overlap of 5 cm on each roof tile
3.
[ sing. ] a period of time in which two events or activities happen together :
There will be an overlap of a week while John teaches Ann the job.