outflow

American  

[out-floh] / ˈaʊtˌfloʊ /

noun

1. the act of flowing out.

   We need flood control to stem the river's outflow.

2. something that flows out.

   to measure the outflow in gallons per minute.

3. any outward movement.

   the annual outflow of tourists.

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outflow British  

/ ˈaʊtˌfləʊ /

noun

1. anything that flows out, such as liquid, money, ideas, etc

2. the amount that flows out

3. the act or process of flowing out

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Etymology

Origin of outflow

First recorded in 1790–1800; out- + flow

Example Sentences

It now must brace itself for a much larger potential refugee outflow from Iran.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

U.S. exports rose 5.5% in January to a record $302.1 billion, but the increase was exaggerated by another large outflow of gold and other precious metals.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Moreover, for the largest managers, there is precedent for surviving a long outflow cycle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Since the 1970s - when Britain ended trading agreements that had shored up New Zealand's economy and Australia introduced loosened work and travel restrictions - the outflow of people has surged sporadically.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

It was close to the westernmost of the Nile’s seven mouths, the Canopic, but far enough away to avoid having its harbor silted up by the river’s outflow.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

Related Words

• discharge