stretch-out

noun

1
: a system of industrial operation in which workers are required to do extra work with slight or with no additional pay
2
: the act of stretching out : the state of being stretched out
3
: an economizing measure that spreads a limited quantity over a larger field than originally intended: such as
a
: a slackening of production schedules so that a quantity of goods will be produced over a longer period than initially planned
b
: a restructuring of a loan repayment schedule over an extended period of time

Examples of stretch-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Read the Full Story The 2024 Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner is the new top-trim from the brand’s Mulliner customizing division, with deliveries starting in early 2024. EWB means a wheelbase stretch of 7.1 inches, with all of that additional length going to create stretch-out space in the rear seat. Michael Simari, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023 The third row is not just habitable but comfortable for adults, with the seat cushion now about two inches higher off the floor for more stretch-out space. Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, 30 May 2023 The front seats on our test vehicle had small cushions that lacked support, but the back seat had plenty of stretch-out space that should comfort everyone on long trips. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 28 Mar. 2023 But there’s plenty of stretch-out space both front and rear — particularly in the rear. Tribune News Service, Dallas News, 25 Mar. 2023 There are tons of options out there that will feel just as cloud-like and un-stretch-out-able, look just as cute, and make your legs look equally as good — for a sliver of the price. Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, 21 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stretch-out was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near stretch-out

Cite this Entry

“Stretch-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stretch-out. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

stretch-out

noun
: a labor practice in which workers are required to do extra work with slight or no additional pay
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