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Definition of overspill

overspill

/ˈoʊ.vɚˌspɪl/
o · ver · spill
Plural:overspills
•
Past Simple:overspilled
•
Past Participle:overspilled
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Present Participle:overspilling
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overspill Lexical Profile

overspill Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Something that spills or flows over the edge of a container or beyond an established boundary; an excess amount that cannot be accommodated in the main space.

Example

"The conference organizers set up an extra room with a video screen to accommodate the overspill of attendees."

2

British The excess population of a crowded city or metropolitan area that is rehoused in newly developed towns or surrounding suburbs.

Example

"Several new towns were constructed in the postwar decades to house the overspill from London."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To spill or flow over the brim, edge, or boundary of a container or space; to spread beyond an original area or limit.

Example

"Heavy autumn rains caused the river to overspill its banks and flood the adjacent farmland."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overspill
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overspill

• Nearby Words

overspecialized
overspend
overspender
overspill
overspray
overspread
overstaff

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overspill. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overspill
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