English Reference
adjective

overflowing

adj.
US /ˈoʊvɝˌfɫoʊɪŋ/ UK /ˌəʊvəflˈəʊɪŋ/ over·flow·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    so full that the liquid or objects inside are falling out over the top.

    exceeding the capacity of a container such that the contents spill over the brim.

    Simple

    He tried to carry the overflowing bucket of water without making a mess.

    In context

    The city struggled to manage the overflowing rubbish bins after the three-day music festival concluded in the park.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a very strong feeling that you cannot easily hide.

    characterised by an intense abundance of a particular emotion or quality.

    Simple

    She greeted her old friend with an overflowing sense of joy.

    In context

    The speaker’s voice was overflowing with gratitude as he thanked the volunteers for their tireless dedication to the cause.


From overflow + -ing

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated