spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: such as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
c
: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.
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.
Application: Use a spreader for granular formulations or a sprayer for liquid ones, following the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 Kennedy is one of the top spreaders of misinformation about vaccines, peddling bogus conspiracy theories that these safe and effective protections for Americans are harmful. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Jackson County has 18 vehicles equipped with plows and spreaders to treat roads: four tandem trucks, 10 single-axle dump trucks, and four 6500-class Chevrolet trucks. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2025 President 's choice to nominate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to serve as secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and place the lives and health of every American in the hands of a conspiracy theorist, misinformation spreader, and science denier is the wrong one. Edward J. Markey, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spreader

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spreader was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

spreader

noun
spread·​er ˈspred-ər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
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!