expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean

Examples of expanse in a Sentence

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse. the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the Wagner Ranch property, the trust would raise funds — mostly through private donations, the trust said — to extensively restore and maintain the expanse with an eye to protecting the habitat-rich landscape. Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025 But hurricane hunters can fly only so many missions, and most storms develop in places that aircraft can’t safely reach, such as over vast ocean expanses. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2025 In that expanse of land, Lobo said there were about 250 villages, each of which had between 25 and 250 people. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025 The best way to experience this smooth expanse of sand is with a stay at the beach’s most iconic hotel, the Malibu Beach Inn, which has rooms with balconies that extend directly over breaking waves. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expanse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin expansum, from Latin, neuter of expansus, past participle of expandere

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expanse

noun
ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean

More from Merriam-Webster on expanse

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