outpouring
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“One of the most heartening parts of this past year for me has been the outpouring of support I’ve received from women,” she declared in the video.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
It also brought an outpouring of job seekers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
"The outpouring of sympathy shows how deeply the animal's fate moves people," Backhaus said.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
Yishan, however, pretended not to notice, and was just about to suggest changing direction when an outpouring of people began to cluster into view.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
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.
