WordGarden.iospout
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈaʊt/
US
- /ˈspaʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a tube or projecting lip from which liquid is poured or discharged
a jet or stream of liquid, gas, or flame
Verb
to send out or flow in a stream
to speak or recite at length in a fluent or forceful way
Beyond the definition
Think of a teapot: when you tilt it, liquid comes out through the narrow tube. That is the clearest image behind "spout," but the word is not only about liquids. It can also mean to send out words quickly and in a steady flow. A frustrated child might spout insults when they do not get their way, and a broken fire hydrant might spout water all over the street. The word usually suggests something coming out with force and without much control.
To spout means to flow out quickly and forcefully, often in a stream or jet. It's most commonly associated with liquids—like water spouting from a fountain or oil spouting from a damaged engine. Imagine a whale breaching and spouting mist high into the air from its blowhole!
However, "spout" isn't limited to physical fluids. It can also describe things that are expressed rapidly and at length—often unexpectedly or uncontrollably. Someone might spout nonsense when they're flustered, or a politician could spout promises during an election campaign. This usage implies a continuous, almost overwhelming flow of words or ideas, often without much forethought.
Additionally, the word is a common noun. A spout is the projecting tube or nozzle on a teapot, kettle, or rain gutter from which liquid is poured or discharged. Whether you are talking about the spout of a kettle or someone spouting accusations, the core idea remains the same: something is being directed outward with energy and volume.
For example: "The geyser spouted hot water and steam," "He began to spout accusations without any evidence," or "The teapot had a chipped spout."
Examples
- 1
Kettle part
Steam curled out of the kettle’s spout.
- 2
Water leak
Water spouted from a cracked pipe under the sink.
- Patternspout from + place/source
come out in a strong flow
- 3
Volcano
Ash and smoke spouted into the sky after the volcano erupted.
- 4
Annoying talk
He was just spouting nonsense to impress the others.
- Patternspout + words/opinions
say a lot of them, often in an annoying or thoughtless way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Opinionated talk
She’s always spouting off about how everyone else should live.
- Phrasespout off
speak in a loud, annoying, opinionated way
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spoutnounverb
Forms
- spouting-ing formverbnoun
- spoutspluralnounverb
- spoutedpast tenseverbnoun