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Definition of spate

spate

/speɪt/
spate
Plural:spates
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spate Lexical Profile

spate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large number of similar things or events coming in quick succession.

Example

"The city council called an emergency meeting following a recent spate of burglaries in the downtown area."

2

British A sudden flood or rapid rise in a river, especially one caused by heavy rain or melting snow.

Example

"After three days of torrential rain in the highlands, the river was in full spate and overflowed its banks."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for spate

• Nearby Words

spastic
spastically
spat
spate
spathiphyllum
spathodea
spatial

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century in Scottish and northern English as a word for a river flood, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain.

Cite this Entry

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