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 Guests can also opt for lash applications, waxing, hair cutting and coloring, microblading, hair extensions, and professional styling from the capable salon staff. Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 But the spending laws that are set to expire this weekend are the latest round of short-term extensions, known as continuing resolutions or CRs, that lawmakers have enacted to push deadlines off. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The truth of it is, getting Aiyuk aboard with an extension will likely decrease his cap number from $14.1 million this season because the bonus money will be prorated and the first-year salary will be low. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024 Katja Garcia won’t seek an extension to her contract as CFO for Continental, a manufacturer of tires and other vehicle parts. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 Under the settlement, the city must provide the plaintiffs with weekly reports on the number of migrants who are seeking and receiving extensions. Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Requesting an extension is easy John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 14 Mar. 2024 Conservatives held firm in their opposition to all of the recent funding extensions that lacked their preferred spending cuts and policy riders. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Denver’s salary cap picture overall is in flux depending on how the club decides to split up Russell Wilson’s $85 million in dead cap charges over 2024 and 2025, but the Patrick extension was just the start of their work Friday. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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