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 Genetic sleuths have traced the outbreak back to a likely spillover event in late 2023, when a wild bird may have infected a cow on a farm. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 10 May 2024 Billionaire Barry Sternlicht said Miami’s growth story is far from over even as a shortage of schools in the area, a key spillover effect from its recent boom, is hindering its ability to lure more residents. Patrick Clark, Fortune, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for spillover 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spillover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spillover was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near spillover

Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillover. Accessed 19 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on spillover

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