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.
This is having a spillover effect to other stout offerings in the U.S. Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 As the largest economic player, the United States has benefited most from the innovation that generates growth and the spillover effects that growth has had around the world. Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025 When employees are within 65 feet of others, there is a measurable knowledge spillover, based on research from MIT. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Importantly, the new study found that predicted spillover risk is not evenly distributed. John Drake, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillover. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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