spate

noun

1
2
a
: a large number or amount
a spate of books on gardening
b
: a sudden or strong outburst : rush
a spate of anger

Examples of spate in a Sentence

A spate of books on the subject have come out recently. There was a spate of corporate mergers in the 1980s.
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.
Based on publicly available data, the recent spate of engine shutdowns is not that surprising. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 However, the scale and precision of this latest spate sets a new standard — and serves as a warning to everyone who banks online. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 18 June 2025 The interventions have already begun in a spate of off-year special elections. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2025 If approved, the proposal could spell trouble for the spate of candidates who have already to filed to run in the November election. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spate was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

spate

noun
: a sudden flood or rush

More from Merriam-Webster on spate

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