# spout

/ˈspaʊt/ (US) · /spˈaʊt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spout
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a pouring tube

noun · CEFR B2

the part of a container, like a teapot or a jug, where the liquid comes out.

For teachers: a tube, lip, or pipe through which liquid is poured or discharged from a container.

- Be careful when you pour the tea because the spout is a bit chipped.
- The designer modified the teapot's spout to ensure a steady, laminar flow that would not drip onto the tablecloth.

### 2. a stream of liquid

noun · CEFR B2

a strong stream of liquid or water that comes out of something.

For teachers: a forceful discharge or jet of liquid, such as water from a fountain or air and water from a whale's blowhole.

- A spout of water shot up from the broken pipe in the street.
- The whale emerged briefly, sending a tall spout of mist into the air before diving back into the dark Atlantic waters.

### 3. to flow out strongly

verb · CEFR B2

to flow or come out very quickly and with force.

For teachers: to gush or eject liquid in a rapid, forceful stream.

- Blood began to spout from the deep cut on his arm.
- Oil began to spout from the rig after the pressure seal failed, creating an immediate environmental crisis.

### 4. to talk tediously

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to talk a lot about something in a way that is boring or shows off.

For teachers: to speak or recite something in a pompous, repetitive, or oratorical manner.

- He spent the whole dinner spouting his opinions about politics.
- The candidate continued to spout tired slogans long after the audience had lost interest in the debate.

Usage: Often used with 'off' or 'on' to describe someone talking without stopping.

### 5. to pawn

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Slang

to leave something valuable with a shop to get a loan.

For teachers: to pledge an object as security for a loan; to pawn.

- He had to spout his watch just to pay the rent that month.
- In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for desperate workers to spout their Sunday clothes to buy bread for the week.

## Examples

- Water poured steadily from the spout of the kettle.
- The teapot has a long, curved spout that prevents tea from dripping onto the tablecloth.
- Architects designed the fountain so that each bronze spout would release a precise arc of water into the central basin, creating a rhythmic splashing sound.

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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.