First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1spread
verb \ˈspred\
: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
: to place (things) over a large area
: to become larger or to affect a larger area : to move into more places
spreadspread·ing
Full Definition of SPREAD
transitive verb
1
a : to open or expand over a larger area <spread out the map> b : to stretch out : extend <spread its wings for flight>
2
a : to distribute over an area <spread fertilizer> b : to distribute over a period or among a group <spread the work over a few weeks> c : to apply on a surface <spread butter on bread> d (1) : to cover or overlay something with <spread the cloth on the table> (2) archaic : to cover completely e (1) : to prepare or furnish for dining : set <spread the table> (2) : serve <spread the afternoon tea>
3
4
: to push apart by weight or force
intransitive verb
1
a : to become dispersed, distributed, or scattered b : to become known or disseminated <panic spread rapidly>
2
: to grow in length or breadth : expand
3
: to move apart (as from pressure or weight) : separate
— spread·abil·i·ty \ˌspre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— spread·able \ˈspre-də-bəl\ adjective
See spread defined for English-language learners
See spread defined for kids
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Origin of SPREAD
Middle English spreden, from Old English -sprǣdan; akin to Old High German spreiten to spread
2spread
noun
: growth or increase that causes something to cover a larger area, affect a larger number of people, etc.
: a soft food that is spread on bread, crackers, etc.
: the total distance between the two outer edges of something
Full Definition of SPREAD
1
a : the act or process of spreading b : extent of spreading
2
: something spread out: as a : a surface area : expanse b (1) : a ranch or homestead especially in the western United States (2) West : a herd of animals c (1) : a prominent display in a periodical (2) : two facing pages (as of a newspaper) usually with matter running across the fold; also : the matter occupying these pages
3
: something spread on or over a surface: as a : a food to be spread (as on bread or crackers) <a cheese spread> b : a sumptuous meal : feast c : a cloth cover for a table or bed
4
: distance between two points : gap
5
: a commodities market transaction in which a participant hedges with simultaneous long and short options in different commodities or different delivery dates in the same commodity
See spread defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPREAD
1626
Related to SPREAD
- Synonyms
- bedcover (also bedcovering), bedspread, coverlet, hap [dialect], counterpane
SPREAD[1] Defined for Kids
1spread
verb \ˈspred\
spreadspread·ing
Definition of SPREAD for Kids
1
: to stretch out : extend <I spread my arms wide.>
2
: to pass or cause to pass from person to person <The news spread rapidly.> <Flies can spread disease.>
3
: to open or arrange over a larger area <The captain spread out a map.>
4
: to increase in size or occurrence <The fire keeps spreading.> <Cell phone use spread quickly.>
5
: to scatter or be scattered <spread fertilizer>
6
: to give out over a period of time or among a group <The boss spread work to make it last.>
7
: to put or have a layer of on a surface <He spread butter on bread.>
8
: to cover something with <Mom spread a cloth on the table.>
9
: to stretch or move apart <I spread my fingers open.>
10
: to prepare for a meal : set <The table was spread for dinner.>
2spread
noun
Definition of SPREAD for Kids
1
: the act or process of increasing in size, amount, or occurrence <the spread of education>
2
: the distance between two points that are farthest to each side <the spread of a bird's wings>
3
: a noticeable display in a magazine or newspaper
4
: a food to be put over the surface of bread or crackers <cheese spread>
5
: a very fine meal : feast
6
: a cloth cover for a table or bed
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