spate
Americannoun
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a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring.
a spate of angry words.
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British.
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a flood or inundation.
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a river flooding its banks.
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a sudden or heavy rainstorm.
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noun
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a fast flow, rush, or outpouring
a spate of words
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a sudden flood
the rivers were in spate
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a sudden heavy downpour
Etymology
Origin of spate
1400–50; late Middle English (north) < ?
Explanation
A spate is a large number. If a spate of new coffee shops open in your neighborhood, it’ll be easy for you to stay wide awake. You’ll have easy access to plenty of caffeine. Though it’s now used to describe a large number or unusually large amount of something, the word spate originally described a sudden flood of water, such as a river overflowing after a downpour. Thinking about being overwhelmed by a sudden rush of water will help you remember to use spate when you encounter an unexpected overflow of anything, whether it’s books, robberies, celebrity break-ups, or corporate mergers.
Vocabulary lists containing spate
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Born a Crime
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Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gourmand fragrances have grown by 172.4% across all social platforms, according to beauty and wellness research firm Spate, following a larger trend towards food-obsession and foodies online.
From Salon • Aug. 12, 2025
And yet, Spate is also seeing an increasing emphasis on science and mental health.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2022
Tumblr, Digital Marketing Manager Cecilia Liu says, is an opportunity for Kate Spate to engage with fans on a more visual level.
From Forbes • Feb. 6, 2011
He was, according to Spate, a “passionately detached observer” — a freethinker who remained pointedly mute on the subject of politics.
From Washington Post
"I wonder what kind of green goods he sells?" said Joel Spate, the owner of the Bon-Ton Grocery.
From In a Little Town by Hughes, Rupert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
