spate

noun

1
2
a
: a large number or amount
a spate of books on gardening
b
: a sudden or strong outburst : rush
a spate of anger

Examples of spate in a Sentence

A spate of books on the subject have come out recently. There was a spate of corporate mergers in the 1980s.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But that doesn’t make the recent spate any more acceptable. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 Tulsa, Oklahoma — The United States aviation industry continues to grapple with the worst air traffic controller shortage in nearly 30 years as a recent spate of incidents has thrust the high-stress profession into the spotlight. Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 12 May 2025 In addition to the recent spate of overdoses, a teen was stabbed during class at Los Padrinos in March. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 The strike also comes nearly four months after the devastating spate of wildfires burned through parts of Los Angeles County in January, causing billions in damage and a strain on public workers, the union said. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spate was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spate. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spate

noun
: a sudden flood or rush

More from Merriam-Webster on spate

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