seepage

[ see-pij ]

noun

1. the act or process of seeping; leakage.
2. something that seeps or leaks out.
3. a quantity that has seeped out.

ˈseepage

/ ˈsiːpɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or process of seeping
2. liquid or moisture that has seeped

Word History and Origins

Origin of seepage¹

First recorded in 1815–25; seep + -age

Example Sentences

The samples are more characteristic of “freshly produced” oil typical of natural seepage, according to officials.

From Seattle Times

March 11, 2024An earlier version of this article stated that a Coast Guard official said the oil spill was caused by natural seepage from the ocean floor off Huntington Beach.

From Los Angeles Times

“We don’t know what caused the natural seepage to be so much.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It could be natural seepage, it could have been a discharge. We’re not sure.”

From New York Times

“There will always be some seepage but as long as it’s not too much, we’re OK.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drainage
• infiltration