verb
overlook
OH-vuh-luuk
verb
1
To fail to notice something, or to miss it despite it being there.
"The editor overlooked a glaring typo on the front page."
2
To choose not to hold something against someone; to let a mistake pass without punishing it.
"I'll overlook the late arrival just this once."
3
To have a view down over something from a higher position.
"The balcony overlooks the harbour."
noun
1
A point or spot that gives a wide view down over an area.
"Tourists stopped at the overlook to take photos of the canyon."
How to Use Overlook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither missing something by accident, deciding to let it go, or physically having a view down over an area.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "overlook" (miss/excuse) with "oversee" (supervise) — they sound similar but mean nearly opposite things in terms of attention.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
overlook a detail
overlook the harbour
overlook a mistake
Word Forms
overlooked past tense, overlooks plural, overlooks singular
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The editor _____ a glaring typo on the front page.
Etymology
From Middle English overloken, formed from over- + look.