1 : to flow over the edge or top of (something)
(+ object)
The river overflowed its banks.
(no object)
The creek overflows every spring.
The water in the sink overflowed.
— often used figuratively
The large crowd filled the room and overflowed into the lobby.
2 : (+ object) : to fill or cover (something) completely
Books and papers overflowed his desk.
The paragraph overflowed the page
3 : (no object) : to be completely filled with something : to be so filled that there is not enough room for anything or anyone more
overflowing trash cans
— often + with
His desk was overflowing with papers.
The hotels are all filled/full to overflowing with tourists.
— often used figuratively
Her heart was overflowing with joy.