spate

noun

ˈspāt 

1

: freshet, flood

2

a

: a large number or amount

a spate of books

b

: a sudden or strong outburst : rush

a spate of anger

Synonyms of spate

• flood
• torrent

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

This year, its Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is unveiling a spate of new artist commissions, called the Chicago Monuments Project. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

The warning comes amid a recent spate of shark sightings along the Eastern Seaboard, as warmer waters draw them closer to shore. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

An upscale Lake Tahoe enclave is on edge after a years-long spate of tree poisonings at a residents-only beach. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

When Debbie, Susan, and Thom come over for a double-date pizza night, only Bret is concerned about the spate of recent home invasions, the missing pets, and the desecration of the griffin mascot. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spate

• in spate

Rhymes for spate

• ate
• bait
• bate
• cate
• crate
• date
• eight
• fait
• fate
• fete
• frate
• freight

Kids Definition

spate

noun

ˈspāt 

: a sudden flood or rush