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 cultural spillover into tourism is also quantified in the report. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026

Karl Karlstrom of the University of New Mexico, a expert on the history of the Grand Canyon, says the timing, location and evidence for possible lake spillovers remain unknown. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

The Vatican is particularly concerned about the spillover of Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, given the plight of Christian communities in the south. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

China, the world’s largest oil importer, faces potential inflationary spillovers, though its massive strategic stockpiles and diversified energy sources have provided some cushion for the economy. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Apr. 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