Search Dictionary
Definition of outstay

outstay

/ˌaʊtˈsteɪ/
out · stay
Past Simple:outstayed
•
Past Participle:outstayed
•
Present Participle:outstaying
JUMP TO:

outstay Lexical Profile

outstay Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To remain in a place or position beyond an expected, permitted, or welcome duration.

Example

"Worry about outstaying his welcome prompted the houseguest to book an earlier train home."

2

To stay longer than another person or thing; to outlast.

Example

"The veteran diplomat managed to outstay three consecutive administrations before finally retiring."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for outstay

Word Nuance & Usage

Most frequently used in the idiom 'to outstay one's welcome' (preferable in British English where American English often favors 'overstay one's welcome'), meaning to remain as a guest longer than the host desires.

• Rhymes for outstay

• Nearby Words

outstanding
outstandingly
outstare
outstay
outstep
outstretch
outstretched

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century (notably used by William Shakespeare), formed in English by combining the prefix 'out-' (in the sense of surpassing) with the verb 'stay'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Outstay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/outstay
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.