spate
Spate (noun) means a sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together. Example: “The city saw a spate of burglaries last winter.”
How to use spate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden burst of many things happening at once, or a river swelling with floodwater.
Don't confuse with "spat," a small argument.
Word forms
spated past tense, spates plural, spates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The city saw a _____ of burglaries last winter.
Etymology
From Middle English and Scots spate, "a flood," likely related to "spatter" and ultimately to the idea of water spitting or splashing forth.
Related words
Rhymes for spate
See all rhymes for spate →Frequently asked questions
What does “spate” mean?
The word “spate” means a sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together. In plain terms, a sudden burst of many things happening at once, or a river swelling with floodwater.
How do you pronounce “spate”?
“Spate” is pronounced spayt (/speɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “spate” in a sentence?
Here is “spate” used in a sentence: “The city saw a spate of burglaries last winter.”
What part of speech is “spate”?
“Spate” is a noun.
Where does the word “spate” come from?
The word “spate” comes from Middle English. From Middle English and Scots spate, "a flood," likely related to "spatter" and ultimately to the idea of water spitting or splashing forth.
How many meanings does “spate” have?
“Spate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden rush or outpouring of something, especially a large number of events happening close together.