Words / B2

ohv-uh-FLOH/ˌəʊvəˈfləʊ/

To overflow is to spill over a limit, or (of a place) to be too full: the river overflowed; overflow parking. Spill is accidental liquid; excess is the noun. Overflow parking is not in the fire plan. Noun: an overflow. Mix-up: overlook (already elsewhere); overrule. Do not write overflow for a small drip without a limit being passed.

Meaning

To spill over a limit, or (of a place) to be too full.

Examples

• “Overflow parking is not in the fire plan, the risk assessment said.”
• “The river overflowed the gauging station, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

overflow with; an overflow of; overflow parking / pipe. Close: spill. Trap: overlook. Geography, H&S, and events. Past the brim or capacity, not a leaky tap.

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