spilling
v.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.
He is spilling his coffee because the cup is too full.
The truck is spilling gravel onto the highway, creating a dangerous situation for the cars driving behind it.
Water was spilling over the edge of the fountain, drenching the nearby pavement and creating a slippery hazard for unsuspecting pedestrians.
The verb is both transitive and intransitive. When used without an object, the subject is the substance that is falling out.
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'.
Last updated May 6, 2026