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.
On 80 acres, the company built a sprawling, multi-story campus of monumental entryways, soaring atria and expansive terraces overlooking an artificial lagoon and offering, far in the distance across an expanse of water, a view of the downtown Miami skyline. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 Along with a steel and aluminum hull, the new launch offers up an exterior with Baglietto’s classic strong lines, wide glass expanses, and stepped aft deck, which splits across three descending levels that cascade toward a sea-view pool. India Brown, Robb Report, 3 July 2025 Kankakee Sands, an 8,400-acre expanse of prairie and wetlands in northern Indiana, is adding accessible parking, viewing scopes and signs to help tell the history of the area and a new chapter about The Nature Conservancy's efforts to restore the ecosystem where 90 bison are thriving. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Even on Zoom, the Wyoming sky is clearly in the background, with an expanse of ranch land stretching out into the distance. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 July 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 25 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!