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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of outflow

First recorded in 1790–1800; out- + flow

Example Sentences

Retail traders are pulling money from energy ETFs, with the United States Oil Fund seeing a $110.8 million outflow on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“Any thunderstorms that develop will likely produce brief heavy rain, gusty outflow winds, small hail and potentially waterspouts or weak, short-lived, tornadoes,” the NWS said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 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

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

And what of the outflow of scores of other rivers, carrying contaminants perhaps equally lethal?

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• discharge