over·flow
ˌō-vər-ˈflō 
overflowed; overflowing; overflows
1
: to cover with or as if with water : inundate
2
: to flow over the brim of
3
: to cause to overflow
1
: to flow over bounds
2
: to fill a space to capacity and spread beyond its limits
the crowd overflowed into the street
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
1
: a flowing over : inundation
2
: something that flows over : surplus
3
: an outlet or receptacle for surplus liquid
Examples of overflow in a Sentence
Verb
The river overflowed its banks.
The creek overflows every spring.
The water in the tub overflowed.
Books and papers overflowed his desk.
The paragraph overflowed the page.
Noun
a great overflow of water from the heavy rains swept mud and silt down onto the highway
an overflow of help actually made the job more complicated
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Luckily, Nordstrom is overflowing with discounts on swanky fashion and beauty as part of its designer clearance sale.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 24 Dec. 2025
Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
The city has released its holiday schedule along with reminders about extra bags, missed pickups and where residents can take overflow trash.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
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Verb
Amazon’s Outlet Store, a hidden storefront overflowing with discounts on new, overstock, and clearance items, is running a secret after-Christmas sale on tons of travel clothes and accessories to give you a head start on your 2026 travel capsule wardrobe.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Luckily, Nordstrom is overflowing with discounts on swanky fashion and beauty as part of its designer clearance sale.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 24 Dec. 2025
Noun
Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
The city has released its holiday schedule along with reminders about extra bags, missed pickups and where residents can take overflow trash.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Cite this Entry
“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overflow. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overflow
1 of 2 verb
over·flow
ˌō-vər-ˈflō
1
: to cover with or as if with water : inundate
2
: to flow over the brim or top of
the river overflowed its banks
3
: to flow over bounds
the creek overflows every spring
4
: to fill a space up and spread beyond its limits
the paragraph overflowed the page
overflow
2 of 2 noun
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
Medical Definition
overflow
noun
over·flow
ˈō-vər-ˌflō
: an excessive flow or amount
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