spillway

noun

spill·​way ˈspil-ˌwā How to pronounce spillway (audio)
: a passage for surplus water to run over or around an obstruction (such as a dam)

Examples of spillway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drag slider compare photos The turnaround has been heralded by Casitas General Manager Mike Flood as the fastest rebound in the lake's history, according to reports in the Ventura County Star, with water going over the dam's spillway in April 2024—something last seen in 1998. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 By late April, the reservoir had reached the spillway. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 The inspection found deterioration of the spillway outfall pipe, and trees growing upstream, downstream and along the embankment. Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2024 Advocates argue there’s a lot more to consider environmentally than whether a spillway is big enough. Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spillway 

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spillway was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near spillway

Cite this Entry

“Spillway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spillway. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

spillway

noun
spill·​way ˈspil-ˌwā How to pronounce spillway (audio)
: a passage for extra water to run over or around a dam

More from Merriam-Webster on spillway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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