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
Emerging research shows that exercising only on weekends may be just as effective as spreading out your workouts throughout the week.
—
Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
About 12,000 acres that spread out over three counties feature four major areas to see as well as 20 miles of hiking paths.
—Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
The view stretched wide; the town spread out below like a living painting.
—Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
The toe boxes allow your feet to comfortably spread out without squishing your toes, while technology built directly into the outsoles provides essential protection from rocks and other trail debris.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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.
Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
About 12,000 acres that spread out over three counties feature four major areas to see as well as 20 miles of hiking paths.
—Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
The view stretched wide; the town spread out below like a living painting.
—Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
The toe boxes allow your feet to comfortably spread out without squishing your toes, while technology built directly into the outsoles provides essential protection from rocks and other trail debris.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 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 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share