overspill
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈspɪl/
KK: /oʊvərˈspɪl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To flow or spill over the edge of something, often due to being too full.
Example
The water began to overspill from the cup when I poured too much.
Tense Forms
Past: overspilled
Past Participle: overspilled
Conversation
I accidentally filled my cup too much, and it started to overspill on the table.
Oh no! That’s always a mess to clean up.
Yeah, I should have been more careful when pouring.
Next time, just pour a little less to avoid the overspill!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overflow
spill
flood
Antonyms
contain
hold
restrict
noun
Definition
The act or instance of spilling over, often referring to excess liquid or people moving from crowded areas to less populated ones.
Example
The overspill from the cup made a mess on the table.
Conversation
Have you noticed the overspill of people moving to the suburbs lately?
Yeah, it's crazy how crowded the city is getting.
I wonder if it will help reduce the overspill in the long run.
Root Explanation
Overspill → It is formed from "over-" (meaning above or beyond) and "spill" (from Old English "spillan", meaning to cause to flow or fall). The word "overspill" means to flow or fall beyond the limits or boundaries.
Memory Tip
Think of something flowing 'beyond' ('over-') its limits and 'spilling' out — that's what overspill means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.