Overflowing
/ˌoʊvərˈfloʊɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo be filled beyond capacity; to spill over.
/ˌoʊvərˈfloʊ/
To be so full that the contents spill over.
The river overflowed its banks after the heavy rain.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're pouring juice into a glass. If you put too much, it goes all over! Overflowing is like that – too much of something.
👶 For kids: When something is overflowing, it means it has too much stuff inside, like a glass of water that spills over the side.
More Examples
His emotions overflowed when he heard the sad news.
The box was overflowing with clothes.
How It's Used
"The bathtub overflowed because she left the water running."
"The beaker overflowed when the liquid reached the top."
Filled to overflowing; more than full.
/ˌoʊvərˈfloʊɪŋ/
Filled to the point of overflowing.
The overflowing shelves were difficult to navigate.
💡 Simply: Imagine a box that’s packed so full, things are practically falling out! Overflowing describes something like that.
👶 For kids: When something is overflowing, it is very, very full. So full that it might spill!
More Examples
The overflowing stadium was a testament to the team's popularity.
His overflowing gratitude was evident in his actions.
How It's Used
"The overflowing basket of apples looked enticing."
"Her overflowing generosity was known to everyone."
Idioms & expressions
Overflowing with...
To be abundantly filled with something.
"The room was overflowing with people."
From Old English *oferflōwende*, present participle of *oferflōwan* ('to overflow'), from *ofer* ('over') + *flōwan* ('to flow').
The word has been used since the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of flowing over. Its use expanded over time to describe something being completely full or excessive.
Memory tip
Imagine a cup of coffee - when it's overflowing, it's gone past the point of containment.