Definition

An extra amount that has spilled over from one place to another, often used to describe unintended consequences or effects that result from a situation.

Example

The spillover from the busy conference filled the nearby hotel with guests.

Conversation

Did you hear about the spillover from the concert last night?

Yeah, I saw that it caused a lot of traffic on the main road.

It's crazy how much a single event can create such a spillover effect.

Totally! It definitely makes you think about planning ahead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spillover → It is formed from "spill" (from Old English "spillan", meaning to cause to flow or fall) and "over" (meaning above or across). The word "spillover" refers to the act of something flowing over the edge or beyond its limits.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'flows' ('spill') 'across' ('over') its boundaries — that's what spillover means.

Visually Confused Words