spill
spill Lexical Profile
spill Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause or allow a liquid or other substance to accidentally fall, flow, or run out of a container.
"Be careful not to spill your coffee on the expensive keyboard."
To move or spread rapidly outward in large numbers or volume beyond normal boundaries (often used for crowds).
"As soon as the final bell rang, enthusiastic students began to spill out into the sunny courtyard."
To reveal or disclose confidential information or secrets.
"After hours of persistent questioning, the witness finally decided to spill the truth."
• noun
An instance of a liquid or loose substance accidentally flowing, scattering, or pouring out of its container.
"Emergency crews worked swiftly to contain the chemical spill before it reached the nearby river."
A mark, puddle, or quantity of liquid that has escaped from a container.
"She grabbed a paper towel to wipe up the spill on the kitchen counter."
A sudden fall, especially from a horse, bicycle, or other vehicle.
"The young rider took a nasty spill during the equestrian competition but managed to walk away unhurt."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, the past tense and past participle are predominantly 'spilled', whereas British English frequently uses the irregular form 'spilt'.
• Rhymes for spill
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'spillan' meaning to destroy, mutilate, or kill. By Middle English, the meaning softened and shifted to shedding blood, and eventually to accidentally letting liquid pour out.