spillover

noun

spill·​over ˈspil-ˌō-vər How to pronounce spillover (audio)
often attributive
1
: the act or an instance of spilling over
2
: a quantity that spills over
3
: an extension of something especially when an excess exists
benefiting from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states

Examples of spillover in a Sentence

Put a pan under the pie to catch any spillovers. New technology has a positive spillover effect into countless fields.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What about those who have endured the war’s spillover in Lebanon? — Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 Earnings are pacing below the dividend, and the math only works as long as spillover earnings can bridge the gap. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Dotted with palm trees, the wraparound yard hosts a large swimming pool with a Baja shelf and a spillover spa, along with several spots ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 In the first weeks of the war, the Syrian military sent reinforcements to the border with Lebanon, which officials said aimed to stop cross-border weapons smuggling or any spillover of the conflict. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spillover

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spillover was in 1940

Rhymes for spillover

See All Rhymes for spillover

Browse Nearby Words

spill out
spillover
spillpipe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillover. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spillover

Nglish: Translation of spillover for Spanish Speakers

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