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.
Over the past decade, researchers have conducted multiple experiments using vast expanses of water and ice that are designed to search for neutrinos, which could shed light on mysterious cosmic rays, the most highly energetic particles in the universe. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 Located in Santa Paula, the $10 million Converse Ranch is a 117-year-old riverside expanse of more than 174 acres. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 June 2025 At one point in the film, Seed uses her mother’s interviews to create the feeling that mother and daughter are in dialogue with each other across the expanse of time. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 June 2025 Burke and Wills used a strategy that’s very effective for crossing large expanses of unknown territory, but not so good for getting back home again. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 9 June 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 2 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

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