spew

1 of 2

verb

ˈspyü 

spewed; spewing; spews

intransitive verb

1

: vomit

2

: to come forth in a flood or gush

3

: to ooze out as if under pressure : exude

transitive verb

1

: vomit

2

: to send or cast forth with vigor or violence or in great quantity

a volcano spewing out ash

—often used with out

spewer noun

spew

2 of 2

noun

1

: matter that is vomited : vomit

2

: material that exudes or is extruded

Synonyms of spew

Verb

• pour
• rush
• stream

Examples of spew in a Sentence

Verb

Exhaust spewed out of the car.

Smoke and ashes spewed from the volcano.

The volcano spewed hot ash.

The faucet started spewing dirty water.

The dog spewed vomit on the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Following the 2021 oil spill when a pipe ruptured and spewed oil off Huntington Beach, Foley said the responsible company set up a claims form where people could go online, fill out the claims and submit the documentation and proof of receipts. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

This has already been evidenced by previous environmental disasters, such as the decades of lead contaminants that spewed from the Exide battery plant in Vernon, or toxic dust and explosions from the Atlas Metals recycling plant in Watts. —Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026

Noun

Explosive natural gas spews from broken pipes on the lower floors. —Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026

The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a President who won a Landslide Election, including the popular vote, all Seven Swing States, and 86% of the Counties across America. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English spīwan; akin to Old High German spīwan to spit, Latin spuere, Greek ptyein

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

spew

1 of 2 verb

ˈspyü 

: to send or come out in a flood or gush

spew

2 of 2 noun

: matter that is spewed out