overdub
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌdʌb/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌdʌb/
noun
Definition
A sound that is recorded and added to an existing musical track to enhance or modify it.
Example
The producer decided to add an overdub to the song to make it sound richer.
Conversation
Did you hear the latest track they released?
Yeah, I loved how they used that overdub in the chorus.
I know, right? It added so much depth to the song.
Exactly! The overdub really made it stand out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
layer
track
addition
Antonyms
removal
deletion
subtraction
transitive verb
Definition
To add extra recorded sound to a music track that has already been recorded, usually to improve or enhance it.
Example
The musician decided to overdub the guitar part to make the song sound richer.
Tense Forms
Past: overdubbed
Past Participle: overdubbed
Conversation
Did you hear the new track they released?
Yeah, it sounds great! I wonder if they had to overdub anything.
I think they might have added some layers to the vocals.
Root Explanation
Overdub → It is formed from "over-" (meaning above or in excess) and "dub" (from Old English "dubban", meaning to make a sound or to record). The word "overdub" means to record additional sounds or layers above an existing recording.
Memory Tip
Think of adding sounds 'above' ('over-') what has already been recorded ('dub'). This helps you remember that overdub means to layer new audio on top of existing audio.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.