# spew

/ˈspju/ (US) · /spjˈuː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spew
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to throw out something in a messy or unpleasant way. You use this when someone coughs up something gross or when a machine throws out a lot of liquid or smoke.

For teachers: to eject or discharge something in a messy, uncontrolled, or forceful manner. Often used to describe the expulsion of bodily fluids or the emission of industrial waste.

## Examples

- The old car started to spew black smoke.
- The factory was fined for spewing toxic fumes into the local river without a permit.
- The volcano began to spew molten rock and ash into the atmosphere, forcing the nearby residents to evacuate immediately to avoid being buried under the falling debris.

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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.