spread; spreading
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
3
4
: to push apart by weight or force
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
1
a
: the act or process of spreading
b
: extent of spreading
2
: something spread out: such as
a
: a surface area : expanse
b(1)
: a ranch or homestead especially in the western U.S.
(2)
Western US
: 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: such 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
Examples of spread in a Sentence
Verb
The newspaper was spread across his lap.
Her notes were spread all over the desk.
Help me spread the cloth on the table.
We spread fertilizer on our yard.
The seeds are spread by wind, birds, and animals.
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 fashion quickly spread from France to England.
Noun
She offered crackers and a cheese spread.
He uses low-fat spread on his toast.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Though the disease is not known to spread to people, the CDC recommends against consuming meat from infected deer, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials said people should not eat meat from animals that look sick or in poor condition.
—Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Almond butter is a creamy spread made by grinding whole raw or roasted almonds into a smooth or slightly textured paste.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The organization's dogs don't just support New Yorkers on marathon day; New York Therapy Animals' fluffy volunteers spread smiles across the city's hospitals, healthcare facilities, day centers, and assisted living facilities.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Though the disease is not known to spread to people, the CDC recommends against consuming meat from infected deer, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials said people should not eat meat from animals that look sick or in poor condition.
—Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
Sabatini said that former President Ronald Reagan's doctrine included intervening on behalf of and supporting military governments with the intention of stopping the spread of communism.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Almond butter is a creamy spread made by grinding whole raw or roasted almonds into a smooth or slightly textured paste.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spread. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spread
1 of 2 verb
spread; spreading
1
a
: to open over a larger area
spread out a map
b
: to stretch out : extend
spread her arms wide
2
a
: to scatter over an area
spread fertilizer
b
: to give out over a period or among a group
spread the work over several weeks
c
: to put a layer of on a surface
spread butter on bread
d
: to cover something with
spread the cloth on the table
e
: to prepare for a meal : set
spread a table
3
a
: to become or cause to become widely known
spread the news
the panic spread rapidly
b
: to extend the range or occurrence of
spread a disease
4
: to stretch or move apart
spread one's fingers
spread
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the act or process of spreading
the spread of education
b
: the extent of spreading
the spread of a bird's wings
2
: a very noticeable display in a newspaper or magazine
a two-page spread
3
a
: a food to be spread on bread or crackers
a cheese spread
b
: a very fine meal : feast
c
: a cloth cover for a table or bed
4
: distance between two points
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