What does overdub mean?
An overdub is a new recording added to an existing recording, or the act of making such an addition. It is common in music, film, television, and radio production, where performers may add vocals, instruments, sound effects, or replacement material to an earlier track. The technique allows artists to improve or elaborate on an initial performance without discarding the original recording. Overdubbing can also involve recording a corrected or more polished version of a part after the main recording is complete. In everyday discussion, the word is especially associated with layered studio work and the construction of a finished song from separately recorded performances. Its pronunciation is typically “over-DUB,” with the main stress on the final syllable.
To record additional sound or a new performance for inclusion in an existing recording.
"The guitarist overdubbed a second solo during the final mixing session."
Most often used in music recording, but also common in film, television, and radio production.
A separately recorded performance or layer of sound added to an existing recording.
"The session guitarist's overdub gave the track its distinctive opening."
Usually countable when referring to a particular additional recording or layer.
The plural is used for multiple separately recorded additions or layers.
"The producer layered several overdubs onto the original song."
An overdub lets a performer turn one raw recording into a polished, multilayered track without starting over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overdub come from?
The word was formed in the 20th century by combining the prefix over- with dub, using dub in the sense of adding recorded sound to an existing track. Its development follows the broader history of dubbing, in which a new recording is synchronized with picture or existing sound. The prefix over- suggests an additional or supplementary layer rather than a wholly separate recording.
Related word forms
How overdub is actually used
The term is most common in music recording and is also used in film, television, and radio production. It usually refers to adding a complete new performance or layer, not simply correcting a small error.
Easily confused with overdub
Dub refers more broadly to adding or synchronizing a new sound track with existing sound, while an overdub usually emphasizes one additional recorded performance added to a recording.