First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1reach
verb \ˈrēch\
: to be able to touch, pick up, or grab (something) by moving or stretching
: to move or stretch (your hand, arm, etc.) when you are trying to touch or grab something
: to arrive at (a place that you have been traveling to)
Full Definition of REACH
transitive verb
2
a : to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (as a hand) or an object <couldn't reach the apple> b : to pick up and draw toward one : take c (1) : to extend to <the shadow reached the wall> (2) : to get up to or as far as : come to <your letter reached me yesterday> <his voice reached the last rows> <they hoped to reach an agreement> d (1) : encompass (2) : to make an impression on (3) : to communicate with
3
: to hand over : pass
intransitive verb
1
a : to make a stretch with or as if with one's hand b : to strain after something
2
3
: to sail on a reach
— reach·able \ˈrē-chə-bəl\ adjective
— reach·er noun
See reach defined for English-language learners
See reach defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of REACH
Middle English rechen, from Old English rǣcan; akin to Old High German reichen to reach, Lithuanian raižytis to stretch oneself
2reach
noun
: the distance that you can stretch your arm to touch, pick up, or grab something
: the ability or power of someone or something to do, achieve, or control something
reaches : the parts of an area that are a long way from the center
Full Definition of REACH
1
: a continuous stretch or expanse; especially : a straight portion of a stream or river
2
3
: a bearing shaft or coupling pole; especially : the rod joining the hind axle to the forward bolster of a wagon
4
: the tack sailed by a ship with the wind coming just forward of the beam or with the wind directly abeam or abaft the beam
See reach defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REACH
1536
Related to REACH
REACHING Defined for Kids
1reach
verb \ˈrēch\
reachedreach·ing
Definition of REACH for Kids
1
: to extend the arm far enough to touch or grab <I can't reach the top shelf.>
2
: to arrive at : come <We should reach the border before noon.>
3
: to extend or stretch to <Their land reaches the river.>
4
: to communicate with <I tried to reach you by phone.>
5
: to grow, develop, or increase <The temperature reached a record high.>
Synonym Discussion of REACH
reach, gain, and achieve mean to arrive at a point or end by work or effort. reach is used for arriving at something or some place by any amount of effort. <They reached the city after many days.> gain is used of a struggle to arrive at a goal. <The slaves gained their freedom.> achieve is used when skill or courage is involved. <The artist achieved greatness.>
2reach
noun
Definition of REACH for Kids
1
: the distance within which something can be touched or grabbed <Keep matches out of the reach of children.>
2
: the act of stretching especially to take hold of something <Make a reach for my hand.>
3
: the probability that something can be achieved <Success is within reach.>
4
: an unbroken stretch (as of a river)
5
: ability to stretch (as an arm) so as to touch something <She has a long reach.>
Learn More About REACH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: reacher–inPrevious Word in the Dictionary: reacetylationAll Words Near: reach
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up reach? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).