spillover

noun

spill·​over ˈspil-ˌō-vər 

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

The economic spillover has been profound, generating tax revenues, high-value jobs—and creating one of Europe’s wealthiest urban economies. — Lysanne Currie, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

In less populous counties, by contrast, job and wage spillovers were negligible. — Daniel Yue, Fortune, 14 July 2026

California has logged 41 cyclosporiasis cases this year, most tied to international travel, and none linked to the current outbreak — but health officials are watching for Midwestern spillover. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Not all areas will have the opportunity to cash in on the AI spillover, according to Masiello. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spillover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover