Flood
/flʌd/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn overflowing of a large amount of water over what is usually dry land.
/flʌd/
An overflow of water.
The flood caused widespread damage.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rainstorm so big that the river goes over its banks, covering the streets and houses. That's a flood! You can also have a 'flood' of other things, like too many toys!
👶 For kids: When lots and lots of water covers the ground.
More Examples
A flash flood warning was issued for the area.
The floodwaters receded after several days.
How It's Used
"The city was devastated by a major flood that submerged many buildings."
"A flood of emails overwhelmed the inbox after the announcement."
To cover or submerge (land) with water, especially from a flood.
/flʌd/
To cover with or submerge in water.
The river flooded the surrounding farmland.
💡 Simply: To 'flood' something means to cover it with water, like when you fill a bathtub. You can also 'flood' something with things that aren't water, like emails or light.
👶 For kids: To cover something with a lot of water.
More Examples
The heavy rain flooded the streets.
The room was flooded with sunlight.
How It's Used
"Farmers flood the fields to irrigate the crops."
"The report flooded the news channels with controversy."
Idioms & expressions
to be flooded with something
To receive a large amount of something, often overwhelming.
"The company was flooded with applications after the job posting."
flood of tears
A sudden and copious outpouring of tears, often due to strong emotion (sadness or grief).
"After hearing the news, she burst into a flood of tears."
flood the market
To supply (the market) with a large quantity of something, often to the point where its value decreases.
"The company decided to flood the market with new products to gain market share."
From Old English *flōd* (a stream, the sea), from Proto-Germanic *flōdu- (a flowing).
The word 'flood' has been used for centuries to describe a large overflow of water, especially in reference to biblical floods.
Memory tip
Imagine a large wave completely covering the land.
Word Origin
"flowing, flow"