# spillway

/ˈspɪɫˌweɪ/ (US) · /spˈɪlweɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spillway
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a channel or opening in a dam that lets extra water flow out safely. It prevents the dam from breaking by controlling the water level.

For teachers: a channel or opening in a dam or levee designed to carry off surplus water. It serves as a safety mechanism to prevent structural failure during periods of high flow.

## Examples

- The spillway released a large amount of water after the heavy rain.
- Engineers monitored the lake level closely to ensure the spillway would handle the expected spring melt.
- The primary spillway was designed to handle a one-in-a-century flood, though secondary channels were also constructed to provide additional capacity during extreme weather events.

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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.