spare
5 ENTRIES FOUND:
sparer;
sparest
sparer;
sparest
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPARE
1
always used before a noun
a
:
kept as something extra that can be used if it is needed
—
see also spare tire
-
a spare pair of gloves
-
spare parts
-
I keep a spare set of keys in my desk.
-
a spare bedroom [=an extra bedroom where guests can sleep]
b
:
available to be used in whatever way you want
-
He likes to ski in his spare time. [=his free time; the time when he is not working]
c
:
not needed by you and available to be shared or given to someone else
-
Do you have any spare cash/change? [=any extra cash/change that you could give to me]
2
:
somewhat thin
-
He has a spare frame.
-
He was tall and spare.
3
:
simple or plain
-
I like her spare style of writing.
going spare
British, informal
:
not being used
:
available for someone to use
-
land that is going spare
go spare
British, informal
:
to become very angry or upset
-
My dad went spare when he found out what I'd done.
— sparely
adverb-
a sparely decorated room
— spareness
noun [noncount]-
the spareness of her writing
2
spare
/ˈspeɚ/
verb
spares;
spared;
sparing
2
spare
/ˈspeɚ/
verb
spares;
spared;
sparing
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPARE
[+ object]
1
a
:
to choose not to punish or harm (someone)
-
No one knows why the gunman shot some people and spared others.
-
No one knows why he spared their lives. [=why he didn't kill them]
b
:
to not destroy or harm (something)
-
Somehow the storm spared our house while nearby buildings were destroyed.
2
:
to prevent (someone or something) from experiencing or being affected by something unpleasant, harmful, etc.
-
She was spared from having to answer any more questions.
-
He wanted to spare his family from the stress he had endured.
-
Our church was spared the fate of many others that have been closed. [=our church was not closed]
-
I could have spared myself the trouble.
-
He spared them the embarrassment of a public apology.
3
:
to give (something, such as time, money, etc.) to someone
-
Can you spare (me) a few minutes? [=can you spend a few minutes with me?]
-
I can't spare the time to see you today. [=I don't have enough time to see you today]
-
If you could spare a cup of sugar, it would save me a trip to the store.
-
You should spare a thought for [=think about] those who are less fortunate than you.
4
:
to not do or provide (something)
-
Nothing was spared by the hotel [=the hotel provided everything possible] to make its guests relaxed and comfortable.
-
We will spare no effort [=we will do everything we can] to ensure the safety of the tunnels.
-
When they go on vacation, they spare no expense. [=they do not worry about spending too much money; they spend a lot of money]
-
He said that he would spare no expense [=he would spend as much money as necessary] to make the restaurant successful.
5
:
to use or give out (something) in small amounts
— usually used in negative statements
-
More pancakes, please, and don't spare the syrup. [=give me a lot of syrup]
spare someone's blushes
British, informal
:
to prevent someone from being embarrassed
-
The manager spoke up to spare the blushes of his young employee.
spare someone's feelings
:
to avoid doing or saying something that will hurt someone emotionally
:
to avoid upsetting someone
-
He admitted that he hadn't told me the whole story because he wanted to spare my feelings.
spare (someone) the details
:
to not tell someone all the unpleasant or boring details about something
-
“I drank too much last night and got sick.” “Please, spare me the details.”
to spare
◊ If you have money, time, energy, etc., to spare, you have more than enough money, time, energy, etc.
-
He seems to have energy to spare. [=he seems to have a lot of energy]
-
We have very little time to spare. [=we do not have a lot of time]
-
I have no money to spare [=I do not have enough money] for such things.
-
He got there with (only) minutes/seconds to spare. [=he got there only minutes/seconds before he needed to; he got there just in time]
-
He got there with time to spare. [=he got there early; he got there in plenty of time]
3
spare
/ˈspeɚ/
noun
plural
spares
3
spare
/ˈspeɚ/
noun
plural
spares
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPARE
[count]
1
:
something extra that is kept to be used if it is needed
-
“I've lost the key.” “You'll find a spare in the drawer.”
-
If that one breaks, I've got a spare.
2
bowling
:
the achievement of knocking down all 10 pins with the first two balls
—
compare 2strike 6
-
He got a strike and two spares.
-
He made/bowled a spare.
