spillover: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; common in academic, business, and news contexts.
Quick answer
What does “spillover” mean?
An instance or effect of something spreading or overflowing beyond its original boundaries or intended area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instance or effect of something spreading or overflowing beyond its original boundaries or intended area.
A secondary, often unintended, consequence or result that extends from a primary situation, event, or process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in American business/financial journalism.
Connotations
Both varieties use it with similar neutral-to-negative connotations of uncontrolled extension.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties within professional/academic registers.
Grammar
How to Use “spillover” in a Sentence
spillover from N into/to Nspillover of NN spilloverVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spillover” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The spillover from the festival caused significant disruption in the neighbouring villages.
- Researchers are studying the knowledge spillovers between the university and local tech firms.
American English
- The market crash had a major spillover effect on global economies.
- One positive spillover of the new policy was increased community volunteering.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the impact a company's or sector's performance has on another, e.g., 'spillover effects on supply chains.'
Academic
Describes the unintended diffusion of benefits or costs in economics, sociology, or environmental studies.
Everyday
Used for literal overflow (rare) or metaphorically for emotional/social effects spreading, e.g., 'work stress spillover into home life.'
Technical
In economics: positive/negative externalities. In physics/engineering: literal overflow of a substance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spillover”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spillover”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spillover”
- Using 'spillover' as a verb (the verb is 'spill over', two words). Confusing with 'overflow' (more literal). Using for positive outcomes without contextual clarity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is one word: 'spillover'. As a verb, it is two words: 'to spill over'.
Yes, especially in academic contexts like 'knowledge spillover' or 'positive spillover effects', but it more commonly describes negative, unintended consequences.
'Overflow' is more literal and physical (e.g., water overflowing). 'Spillover' is often metaphorical, describing the extension of abstract effects (economic, social, political).
It is neutral-to-formal. It is standard in academic, business, and news writing but can be used in everyday speech in metaphorical contexts.
An instance or effect of something spreading or overflowing beyond its original boundaries or intended area.
Spillover: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪlˌəʊ.vər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪlˌoʊ.vɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spillover effect”
- “a spillover from...”
- “beneficial spillovers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cup that's too full: the liquid SPILLS OVER the edge, moving beyond its intended container.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFECTS ARE FLUIDS / CONTAINMENT IS CONTROL
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'spillover' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?