outpouring

American  

[out-pawr-ing, -pohr-] / ˈaʊtˌpɔr ɪŋ, -ˌpoʊr- /

noun

1. something that pours out or is poured out; an outflow, overflow, or effusion.

   an outpouring of sympathy from her friends.

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outpouring British  

/ ˈaʊtˌpɔːrɪŋ /

noun

1. a passionate or exaggerated outburst; effusion

2. another word for outpour outpour

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Etymology

Origin of outpouring

1750–60; out- + pouring ( def. )

Explanation

An outpouring is a gush, flow, or fast stream of something. An outpouring of lava from an active volcano would be a bad thing, but an outpouring of support from the community would be a very good thing. A literal outpouring is something you can actually see, like an outpouring of water from a hose. It's actually more common to use outpouring figuratively, as in an outpouring of community support for a family of refugees or an outpouring of new work by a prolific artist. This noun dates from the fifteenth century, when it was first used to describe "a pouring out of spiritual things."

Example Sentences

Monterey Park’s City Council had already banned data centers by ordinance, after a proposed 247,000-square-foot data center met an outpouring of public anger and concern.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Three consecutive second-placed finishes contributed to a nervy title run-in - but the outpouring of emotion at making it fourth time lucky made for spectacular scenes.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

At the last meeting, there was a rare outpouring of dissent, with three members declaring that the Fed should indicate a rate hike could be on the cards to combat inflation.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The outpouring of interest from the community touched me deeply.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

Related Words

• deluge
• flood
• outburst
• spurt
• torrent