spilling
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈspɪlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈspɪlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of causing a liquid or small particles to flow out of a container, often accidentally.
Example
There was a spilling of juice all over the table after the child knocked over the cup.
Conversation
Did you see the spilling from the drink I knocked over?
Yeah, it made quite a mess on the table!
I really need to be more careful to avoid that kind of spilling.
No worries, it happens to everyone sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overflow
leak
discharge
Antonyms
containment
retention
holding
verb
Definition
To accidentally pour out a liquid from a container, causing it to flow over the edge.
Example
She was spilling juice on the table while trying to pour it into a glass.
Tense Forms
Past: spilled
Past Participle: spilled
Conversation
I just saw you spilling your drink all over the table!
I know, it was such a mess!
Did you manage to clean it up?
Root Explanation
Spilling → It is formed from "spill" (from Old English "spillan", meaning to destroy or waste) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "spilling" refers to the action of causing a liquid to flow out of its container, often wastefully.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for destroying or wasting ('spillan') to remember that 'spilling' means the action of causing something to flow out, often in a messy way.
Visually Confused Words
stilling
spoiling
spirling
spelling
spalling
skilling
shilling
piling