overlap

Universal Words verb, noun verb (-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 ~ (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 1 [C,U] ~ (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.