Spawn means to produce or generate something, often in large quantities. The word originally described how fish and frogs lay hundreds or thousands of eggs at once. When salmon spawn, they swim upstream to the place where they were born and release their eggs in the gravel of the riverbed.

The word has spread beyond biology. In video games, characters and enemies spawn when they suddenly appear at certain locations. If you're playing a game and keep getting defeated at the same spot, you might complain about enemies spawning right where you need to go. A spawn point is where players or creatures first appear in the game world.

People also use spawn more broadly to mean creating or producing something, especially when many things result. A popular movie might spawn sequels, toys, and video games. A good idea in one classroom could spawn similar projects in other schools. When something spawns other things, it sets off a chain reaction of creation.

The word often suggests abundance or rapid production. One successful restaurant might spawn an entire chain. A single rumor can spawn dozens of wild stories.