What does spewing mean?
“Spewing” means vomiting forcefully, or ejecting liquid or another substance in a sudden, often messy stream. The word is especially associated with the act of bringing up the contents of the stomach, but it also has a vivid descriptive use for volcanoes, pipes, machinery, or industrial sites that discharge ash, smoke, steam, or liquid. Its strong imagery makes it useful in both everyday descriptions and vivid prose, although it may sound somewhat informal or blunt when referring to vomiting. “Spew out” and “spew forth” are common constructions, and the word can convey not only unpleasant physical expulsion but also dramatic or large-scale discharge.
To vomit, or forcefully eject the contents of the stomach from the mouth.
"She was spewing into the sink after becoming ill."
The sense is vivid and often informal, though it can be used in neutral reporting as well.
To spray, discharge, or belch out liquid, smoke, ash, gas, or another substance in a sudden stream.
"The fault line began spewing lava after the earthquake."
This figurative or extended sense is common in journalism, geology, and technical descriptions.
From vomiting to volcanic eruptions, “spewing” captures anything forcefully expelled in a sudden, messy stream.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spewing come from?
The verb comes from Old English spūwan, meaning “to vomit” or “to spew.” It is related to forms such as spue and sputum, which also reflect the idea of expelling or issuing liquid. In modern English, the word developed beyond its original bodily meaning and was extended to describe the forceful emission of smoke, steam, lava, or other liquids.
Related word forms
How spewing is actually used
The word is vivid and somewhat informal, especially when describing vomiting, but it can be used formally in descriptions of volcanic activity, industrial incidents, or forceful emissions. It is often transitive with “out” or “forth,” though it can also be used intransitively.