1
a
: to cause or allow (something) to fall, flow, or run over the edge of a container usually in an accidental way
I accidentally spilled coffee all over my new suit.
Clean up the flour you spilled on the floor.
a puddle of spilled water
She opened her purse and spilled its contents (out) onto the table.
The bag ripped open and spilled (out) its contents all over the floor.
—sometimes used figurativelyHe spilled his thoughts out to her. [=he told her his thoughts in a very free and open way]
b
: to fall or flow over the edge of a container
Milk spilled (out) onto the table.
Water spilled over the dam.
The bag ripped open and the flour spilled (out) onto the floor.
—sometimes used figurativelyHer hair spilled down her back.
All his thoughts suddenly came spilling out. [=he suddenly began to express all his thoughts]
2
: to move or spread out into a wider place or area
After the movie the crowd spilled (out) into/onto the street.
She opened the door and light spilled into the room.
3
US, informal
: to tell (a secret) to someone
an interviewer who gets celebrities to spill their secrets
Come on, spill it. Who gave you the money?
plural spills
1
: an accident in which liquid is spilled or an amount of liquid that is spilled
Please clean up the spill on the kitchen floor.
The coastline was seriously damaged by an oil spill.
2
: an accidental act of falling
She was injured in a spill the last time she went riding.
He took a spill [=he fell] while skiing and broke his leg.
Cite this Entry
“Spill.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spill. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.
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