What does spilling mean?
Spilling is the present participle of spill and is used when liquid, objects, or information escapes from a container or becomes public. In its most common sense, it describes an accident or deliberate act that causes liquid or small contents to flow or scatter: “The child knocked over the glass, spilling juice everywhere.” Spilling can also mean revealing information, as in “spilling secrets,” often with the implication that the information was disclosed carelessly or without permission. The word is natural in everyday British and American English, combining the practical language of household accidents with the figurative language of disclosure and emotional openness. It is especially useful when describing both the physical action and the figurative loss of control over something that was meant to remain contained.
To cause liquid, contents, or particles to flow or scatter from a container or surface.
"The cracked pipe was spilling water into the hallway."
This is the present participle of spill and is commonly used in descriptions of accidents, leaks, and deliberate pouring.
To reveal or express information, feelings, or secrets, especially unintentionally.
"She kept spilling her excitement about the surprise party."
This figurative use is common in expressions such as “spilling secrets” and “spilling the beans.”
A single spill can turn a small accident into a major cleanup—and the phrase “spill the beans” means to reveal a secret.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spilling come from?
The word comes from Middle English spilen, meaning “to flow out” or “to scatter,” which developed from Old English spyllan. The modern verb spill and related forms such as spillage and spillway continue this Germanic root. The form spilling is the present participle of spill and follows the regular English pattern of adding -ing to a verb stem.
Related word forms
How spilling is actually used
In its literal sense, spilling is neutral and commonly describes liquid or small particles escaping from a container. In the figurative sense, especially in “spilling secrets” or “spilling the beans,” it often suggests revealing information more openly or unintentionally than intended.
Easily confused with spilling
As a verb, spilling means causing contents to escape or scatter, while spilling can also describe a person or thing engaged in that action.