reach

1 of 2

verb

reached; reaching; reaches

transitive verb

1
a
: to stretch out : extend
b
: thrust
2
a
: to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (such as a hand) or an object
couldn't reach the apple
b
: to pick up and draw toward one : take
c(1)
: to extend to
the shadow reached the wall
(2)
: to get up to or as far as : come to
your letter reached me yesterday
his voice reached the last rows
they hoped to reach an agreement
d(1)
(2)
: to make an impression on
(3)
: to communicate with
3
: to hand over : pass

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make a stretch with or as if with one's hand
b
: to strain after something
2
a
: project, extend
his land reaches to the river
b
: to arrive at or come to something
as far as the eye could reach
3
: to sail on a reach
reachable adjective
reacher noun

reach

2 of 2

noun

1
: a continuous stretch or expanse
especially : a straight portion of a stream or river
2
a(1)
: the action or an act of reaching
(2)
: an individual part of a progression or journey
b(1)
: a reachable distance
within reach
(2)
: ability to reach
had a long reach
c
: an extent or range especially of knowledge or comprehension
3
: a bearing shaft or coupling pole
especially : the rod joining the hind axle to the forward bolster of a wagon
4
: the tack sailed by a ship with the wind coming just forward of the beam or with the wind directly abeam or abaft the beam
5
: echelon, level
usually used in plural
the upper reaches of academia

Examples of reach in a Sentence

Verb She couldn't reach the apple. She was too short. He couldn't reach the apple, even with a stick. She can't reach that far. We reached California after driving for two days. Their land reaches the river. Their land reaches to the river. The phone cord doesn't reach. Noun The ball was just out of reach. Their goal is out of reach. The country's farthest reaches had not been explored. the upper reaches of the business the upper reaches of the river
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Some foot spas can reach up to almost 120°F, but, according to the Arthritis Foundation, water temperatures between 92°F and 100°F are best to ease soreness. Daley Quinn Published, Health, 25 Oct. 2024 Ron Simon & Associates law firm has established a McDonald's E. Coli Claim Center for victims of the outbreak which can be reached by phone or on the firm’s website. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
To that end, satellites have become a compelling and affordable technology that can provide this global reach, open up new business opportunities and help to close the digital divide. Scott Williams, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The University of Arkansas wants to expand its reach with the launch of a national office. Alex Golden, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reach 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reach.' 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

Verb

Middle English rechen, from Old English rǣcan; akin to Old High German reichen to reach, Lithuanian raižytis to stretch oneself

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reach was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reach

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

reach

1 of 2 verb
1
: to stretch out : extend
reached out her arm
2
a
: to touch or move to touch or take by sticking out a part of the body (as the hand) or something held in the hand
couldn't reach the apple, even standing on tiptoes
reached for the catsup
b
: to extend or stretch to
their land reaches the river
c
: to get up to or as far as : come to
your letter reached me yesterday
tried to reach an agreement
d
: to communicate with
tried to reach you by phone
3
: hand entry 2 sense 2, pass
please reach me the salt
reachable adjective
reacher noun

reach

2 of 2 noun
1
: an unbroken stretch (as of a river)
2
a
: the action or an act of reaching
b
: the distance one can reach
kept it in easy reach
c
: ability to stretch so as to touch something
you have a long reach
d
: the ability to reach something as if by using the hands
a new car is beyond our reach right now

Legal Definition

reach

transitive verb
1
: to extend application to
2
: to obtain an interest in or possession of
unable to reach all the assets of the debtor
3
a
: to arrive at and consider
the justices did not reach that issue
b
: to amount to
did not reach a due process violation
reach noun
reachable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reach

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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