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.
That’s to say nothing of the spillover effect from the tariffs, such as the potential for a global recession. Brent Lang, Variety, 7 May 2025 The spillover effects for the U.S. economy have been enormous. L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025 Photo : Gavin Cater An open-air cabana flanks the pool and spillover spa. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2025 In October 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a declassified report on the intelligence community's views on the origin conundrum, which also leaned toward a natural spillover, but represented divided views. Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillover. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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