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.
These sorts of laws have also led to a spate of horrifying examples of mob violence based on blasphemy accusations, targeting Muslims, Christians, and others, even as recently as a month ago. Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 In response, OpenAI has embarked on a spate of recent technology product launches. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 Back in Europe, regional leaders will converge in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss measures to bolster the continent’s security, following a recent spate of airspace incursions in countries including Denmark, Poland, Romania and Estonia. Tasmin Lockwood,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 In its 2024 edition, the festival inaugurated the Country of Honor, with Palestine holding that distinction and programming featuring a spate of Palestinian films. Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

spate

noun
: a sudden flood or rush

More from Merriam-Webster on spate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!