ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spilling

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈspɪɫɪŋ// UK //spˈɪlɪŋ// spilling

v. to let liquid or small objects fall out of a container by accident. You usually use this when you make a mess because you were not careful.

v. to cause or allow liquid or small solids to fall from a container unintentionally. Often used in the continuous form to describe an ongoing state of overflow or a recent accident.


SIMPLE

He is spilling his coffee because the cup is too full.

CONTEXTUAL

The truck is spilling gravel onto the highway, creating a dangerous situation for the cars driving behind it.

COMPLEX

Water was spilling over the edge of the fountain, drenching the nearby pavement and creating a slippery hazard for unsuspecting pedestrians.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is both transitive and intransitive. When used without an object, the subject is the substance that is falling out.

Pitfall

I spilled the water to the floor.I spilled the water on the floor.Spill usually takes 'on' or 'onto' to describe the surface where the liquid lands, rather than 'to'.

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