Spillway Meaning

/spˈɪˌlweɪ/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounA path designed to take away overflow safely.

The dam's spillway was opened to release the excess water.
A spillway is a passage for surplus water to run over a dam.
Excess water flowed safely over the concrete spillway of the dam.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The dam's ____ released the excess water during the sudden heavy rain.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The dam has a wide ____ designed to safely release excess water during periods of heavy flooding.

From spill + way.

"Absence of filtered undrains beneath spillways or behind walls." — 1993, Loren Runar Anderson, Geotechnical practice in dam rehabilitation:
"On February 24, 319379 crosses the wrought-iron Carr Mill Viaduct with Northern's 1515 Liverpool Lime Street-Wigan North Western service, viewed from a spillway for the reservoir." — 2023 May 31, “Feature Pictorial”, in RAIL, number 984, page 57, photo caption:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The dam's ____ released the excess water during the sudden heavy rain.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The dam has a wide ____ designed to safely release excess water during periods of heavy flooding.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically