B2adjective2K

Overseas

UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈsiːz/"]/US /["/ˌəʊvərˈsiːz/"]/

Definition

connected with foreign countries, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean

In simple words: In or to a foreign country, especially one across the sea.

Examples

  • The firm is expanding into **overseas markets**.
  • overseas development/trade
  • **overseas visitors/students**
  • This was her first **overseas trip** as prime minister.
  • The overseas aid budget has been cut.
  • They have one overseas holiday a year.
  • There are some scholarships for students from overseas countries.
  • The company is backed by overseas investors.
  • The hotel is popular with overseas visitors to London.

Usage notes

Use 'overseas' to describe travel or business outside your own country. It is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially when talking about international matters. Avoid using it to describe domestic travel.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'over the seas' — traveling to another country across the ocean.

Collocations

  • overseas travel
  • overseas studies
  • overseas job

Synonyms

  • foreign
  • abroad
  • international

Antonyms

  • domestic

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'oversee', which means to supervise.
  • Using 'overseas' with specific countries (e.g., 'I went to overseas France' instead of 'I went to France overseas').