spread

²spread

noun

Definition of SPREAD

1

a : the act or process of spreading b : extent of spreading

2

: something spread out: as a : a surface area : expanse b (1) : a ranch or homestead especially in the western United States (2) West : a herd of animals c (1) : a prominent display in a periodical (2) : two facing pages (as of a newspaper) usually with matter running across the fold; also : the matter occupying these pages

3

: something spread on or over a surface: as a : a food to be spread (as on bread or crackers) <a cheese spread> b : a sumptuous meal : feast c : a cloth cover for a table or bed

4

: distance between two points : gap

5

: a commodities market transaction in which a participant hedges with simultaneous long and short options in different commodities or different delivery dates in the same commodity

Examples of SPREAD

1. She offered crackers and a cheese spread.
2. He uses low-fat spread on his toast.

First Known Use of SPREAD

1626

Related to SPREAD

Synonyms: bedcover (also bedcovering), bedspread, coverlet, hap [dialect], counterpane

Related Words: comforter, puff, quilt; bedclothes, bedding, clothes

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