spillover

noun

spill·​over ˈspil-ˌō-vər How to pronounce spillover (audio)
often attributive
1
: the act or an instance of spilling over
2
: a quantity that spills over
3
: an extension of something especially when an excess exists
benefiting from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states

Examples of spillover in a Sentence

Put a pan under the pie to catch any spillovers. New technology has a positive spillover effect into countless fields.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Importantly, the new study found that predicted spillover risk is not evenly distributed. John Drake, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 But, experts fear that with more spillovers and exposure to humans, the virus will gain more opportunities to adapt to be more infectious in humans. Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025 That’s to say nothing of the spillover effect from the tariffs, such as the potential for a global recession. Brent Lang, Variety, 7 May 2025 The spillover effects for the U.S. economy have been enormous. L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spillover

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spillover was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Spillover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillover. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spillover

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