Simple Definition of spillover

from our Learner's Dictionary

spillover

noun

plural spillovers
: something that flows out of or spreads beyond a container, space, area, etc.
Put a pan under the pie to catch any spillovers.
We have benefited from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states. [=the prosperity of neighboring states has spread to our state]
Nearby stores were getting some spillover from the festival. [=some people who went to the festival also visited the stores]
New technology has a positive spillover effect into countless fields.

Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spillover. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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