What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
floodwater
Example
The streets were filled with floodwater after the storm. [floodwater: noun]
Example
The floodwater had reached the first floor of the house. [floodwater: noun]
overflow
Example
Be careful not to fill the cup too full, or it will overflow. [overflow: verb]
Example
The river overflowed its banks and flooded the surrounding area. [overflowed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floodwater is more commonly used than overflow in the context of natural disasters and heavy rain. Overflow is more commonly used in the context of containers and dams.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between floodwater and overflow?
Both floodwater and overflow are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
