spread
7 ENTRIES FOUND:
spreads;
spread;
spreading
spreads;
spread;
spreading
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPREAD
1
[+ object]
a
:
to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
— often + out
-
The newspaper was spread across his lap.
-
Her notes were spread all over the desk.
-
Help me spread the cloth on the table.
-
He spread out the map on the table. = He spread the map out on the table.
-
The cards were spread out across the table.
-
The city is spread out over a wide area. [=the city covers a wide area]
b
:
to place (things) over a large area
-
We spread fertilizer on our yard.
-
The seeds are spread by wind, birds, and animals.
2
a
[no object]
:
to become larger or to affect a larger area
:
to move into more places
-
The fire spread quickly through the building.
-
The cancer has spread to her throat.
-
The use of computer technology has spread into all fields of work.
-
The odor spread throughout the room.
-
The plant will spread. [=the plant will produce more plants in the area around it]
-
The fashion quickly spread from France to England.
b
[+ object]
:
to cause (something) to be present in more places throughout a large area
-
Flies spread diseases.
-
Missionaries were sent to the colonies to spread Christianity.
-
The religion was spread through/over much of Europe.
3
a
[no object]
:
to pass from person to person
-
Her determination and desire to win spread to the other players.
b
[no object]
:
to become known by many people
-
The rumor spread quickly.
-
The news spread like wildfire. [=the news became known very quickly]
c
[+ object]
:
to cause (something) to become known by many people
-
He was spreading lies/gossip/rumors about her.
-
People are spreading the word [=telling others] about his book.
4
:
to move (parts of your body) outward or away from each other
— often + out
[+ object]
-
She spread [=stretched] her arms wide and hugged him.
-
The bird spreads its wings.
-
Spread your fingers wide apart.
-
Spread out your toes. = Spread your toes out.
-
There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.
-
Spread your arms out.
[no object]
— + out
-
There's no room on the couch to spread out. [=stretch out]
5
[no object]
of a smile or other facial expression
:
to appear and slowly grow more apparent
-
A smile slowly spread across her face.
-
A look of disbelief spread across/over their faces.
6
[+ object]
:
to put a layer of (something) on top of something else
-
He spread butter on the bread. = He spread the bread with butter.
-
She carefully spread the plaster over the hole.
-
Spread the glue evenly on the paper.
7
[+ object]
:
to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
— often + out
-
The payments are spread over a period of six years.
-
You should spread the wealth. [=share your money or good fortune with others]
-
I plan to spread the work out over the next couple of weeks.
-
The course is spread out over two semesters.
2
spread
/ˈsprɛd/
noun
plural
spreads
2
spread
/ˈsprɛd/
noun
plural
spreads
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPREAD
1
[noncount]
:
growth or increase that causes something to cover a larger area, affect a larger number of people, etc.
— often + of
-
We need to slow the spread of the disease/virus.
-
the spread of infection
-
the spread of new technology
-
the spread of drugs in the city
-
the spread of civilization/religion/peace
2
:
a soft food that is spread on bread, crackers, etc.
[count]
-
She offered crackers and a cheese spread.
[noncount]
-
He uses low-fat spread on his toast.
3
[count]
:
the total distance between the two outer edges of something
— usually singular
— often + of
-
the spread of a bird's wings
-
The plant has a spread of three feet.
4
[count]
informal
:
a large meal
— usually singular
-
We always have a huge spread for Thanksgiving.
5
[count]
:
something (such as an advertisement or a series of photos) that covers two or more pages in a newspaper or magazine
6
7
[count]
US
:
a large farm or ranch
— usually singular
-
He bought a spread of 100 acres.
-
They have quite a spread.
8
[count]
:
a variety or range of things or people
— usually singular
— often + of
-
The poll showed a large spread of opinions.
