WordLens

flow

1 of 2verb
/floʊ/
Forms:flowing,flowed,flowed
1

to move smoothly and continuously in one direction, especially in a current or stream

  • The river flowed gently through the valley, carrying leaves downstream.
  • Tears flowed down her cheeks as she watched the emotional scene.
  • The melted snow flowed down the mountain slopes, feeding into the river below.
  • The waterfall flowed down the cliffside, creating a mesmerizing cascade of water.
  • After the heavy rain, streams flowed rapidly, swollen with excess water.
Synonyms:
flux
2

to make something move or pass smoothly and continuously

transitive
  • The dam was designed to flow water into the irrigation system.
  • She used a pump to flow the water from the well into the tank.
  • The technician adjusted the valves to flow the coolant into the machine.
  • He used a funnel to flow the juice into the bottle without spilling.
  • The chef used a spoon to flow the sauce over the dish in an even layer.
3

to experience or have one's menstrual cycle, during which blood and tissue are discharged from the uterus

  • She felt uncomfortable because her period was about to flow.
  • She began to flow a few days earlier than expected this month.
  • Many women experience discomfort when they first start to flow.
  • I always make sure to carry extra supplies when I flow unexpectedly.
  • It’s common for women to flow more heavily during the first two days.
Synonyms:
menstruate
4

to cover something with water or another liquid

  • The overflow from the lake began to flow into the surrounding valley.
  • They tried to block the water, but it continued to flow across the farmland.
  • The river began to flow over its banks after the heavy rainfall.
  • The dam's failure allowed the water to flow into nearby fields.
  • The tidal waves flowed over the shore, flooding the coastal town.
5

to be present or available in large amounts

  • Donations for the charity flowed in after the event, exceeding expectations.
  • Compliments flowed from the guests as they admired the host's beautiful home.
  • The wine flowed generously at the banquet, keeping everyone's glasses full.
  • Help flowed in from volunteers after the natural disaster struck the town.
  • Ideas flowed during the brainstorming session, making the meeting productive.
6

to move steadily and continuously from one place to another, often in large quantities

  • People flowed into the stadium as the gates opened.
  • Tourists flowed into the city for the annual festival.
  • Supplies flowed into the disaster-stricken area within hours.
  • Crowds flowed out of the theater after the show ended.