extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten(t)-shən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
a
: the action of extending : state of being extended
b
: an enlargement in scope or operation
tools are extensions of human hands
2
a
: the total range over which something extends : compass
3
a
: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
b
: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 4a
4
: a property whereby something occupies space
5
: an increase in length of time
specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession
6
: a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources
7
a
: a part constituting an addition
b
: a section or line segment forming an additional length
c
: an extra telephone connected to the principal line
d
: a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair
e
: a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose
8
: a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life He's asking for a contract extension. Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension. I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.
Recent Examples on the Web Those behaviors are an extension of the shame and should be recognized as signs that there is work to be done to reconcile your kinky identity. Myisha Battle, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 One weapon being used to ultimately kill the car is to attack auto usage by blocking the construction of new highways and the extension of existing ones. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Reid racked up another win this spring with a five-year contract extension worth roughly $100 million. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Asian lady beetles were first found in Ohio in October 1993, when some residents reported that thousands of lady beetles were gathering on homes and buildings, per the Ohio State University extension. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extension 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extension.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near extension

Cite this Entry

“Extension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extension. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
: the act of extending : the state of being extended
2
: an increase in time
was given an extension to finish his project
3
: education by special programs at a distance from a school
4
a
: a part forming an addition or increase
b
: an extra telephone connected to the main line

Medical Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
2
: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 1

Legal Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion
: an increase in length of time
specifically : an increase in the time allowed under an agreement

More from Merriam-Webster on extension

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