# spawning

/ˈspɑnɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈɔːnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spawning
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to produce or release a large number of eggs in water. It also means to cause something new to start or appear suddenly.

For teachers: to produce or deposit eggs, typically in large numbers within an aquatic environment; by extension, to generate or give rise to something in a prolific manner.

## Examples

- Salmon travel upstream for spawning in the spring.
- The success of the original film ended up spawning several sequels and a popular television spin-off.
- Biologists observed the fish spawning in the shallow reeds, a process that ensures the survival of the species despite heavy predation from local birds.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically to describe the rapid creation of ideas, products, or movements. Transitive when meaning 'to give rise to'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.