spread out
phrasal verb
spread out; spreading out; spreads out
1
: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
He spread out the map on the table.
He spread the cards out on the table.
The cards were spread out across the table.
2
: to be open, arranged, or extended over a large area
The city is spread out over a wide area.
3
: to move (parts of the body) outward or away from each other
Spread your arms out.
There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.
4
: to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
They spread the work out among the committee members.
The course is spread out over two semesters.
5
: to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area
The police spread out to search the area faster.
Examples of spread out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With just 96 rooms, this exclusive boutique hotel offers spectacular ocean views and plenty of space to spread out by the pool to the sounds of crashing waves.
—
Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Muraoka, who lives in Makaha, said communities in Waianae have unique needs that being Firewise might not address, including sections with neighborhoods that are more spread out than in Lahaina and blazes that are often started by arsonists or kids playing with fire.
—Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Moreover, parents are looking to focus their spending around July for promotional events, trade out for affordable brands and retailers and spread out their expenses over time.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Extra mattresses were spread out on the floor to accommodate the detainees.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Muraoka, who lives in Makaha, said communities in Waianae have unique needs that being Firewise might not address, including sections with neighborhoods that are more spread out than in Lahaina and blazes that are often started by arsonists or kids playing with fire.
—Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Moreover, parents are looking to focus their spending around July for promotional events, trade out for affordable brands and retailers and spread out their expenses over time.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Extra mattresses were spread out on the floor to accommodate the detainees.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
Cite this Entry
“Spread out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spread%20out. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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