over·flow
ˌō-vər-ˈflō 
overflowed; overflowing; overflows
1
: to cover with or as if with water : inundate
2
: to flow over the brim of
3
: to cause to overflow
1
: to flow over bounds
2
: to fill a space to capacity and spread beyond its limits
the crowd overflowed into the street
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
1
: a flowing over : inundation
2
: something that flows over : surplus
3
: an outlet or receptacle for surplus liquid
Synonyms
Examples of overflow in a Sentence
Verb
The river overflowed its banks.
The creek overflows every spring.
The water in the tub overflowed.
Books and papers overflowed his desk.
The paragraph overflowed the page.
Noun
a great overflow of water from the heavy rains swept mud and silt down onto the highway
an overflow of help actually made the job more complicated
Recent Examples on the Web
Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024
Not only was the presentation overflowing with choices, but the bountiful way in which every dish was displayed—including small descriptions breaking down the intricacies of each dish—truly added to the experience.
—Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024
Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
Integer Overflow Sanitizer does the same as above but in relation to integers, or numbers, being too large or too small and enabling an overflow exploit.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overflow 
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Verb
Whether overflowing as it’s known to do in spring or waning as autumn approaches, Schultz Tank always has enough water to attract wildlife and support a burgeoning fringe of vegetation.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024
Not only was the presentation overflowing with choices, but the bountiful way in which every dish was displayed—including small descriptions breaking down the intricacies of each dish—truly added to the experience.
—Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
Acknowledge your accomplishments—and prepare for the overflow of blessings during this era of your life.
—Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
Integer Overflow Sanitizer does the same as above but in relation to integers, or numbers, being too large or too small and enabling an overflow exploit.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overflow
Dictionary Entries Near overflow
Cite this Entry
“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overflow. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overflow
1 of 2 verb
over·flow
ˌō-vər-ˈflō
1
: to cover with or as if with water : inundate
2
: to flow over the brim or top of
the river overflowed its banks
3
: to flow over bounds
the creek overflows every spring
4
: to fill a space up and spread beyond its limits
the paragraph overflowed the page
overflow
2 of 2 noun
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
Medical Definition
overflow
noun
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
: an excessive flow or amount
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