spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər 

: one that spreads: such as

a

: an implement for scattering material

b

: a small knife used especially for spreading butter

c

: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thanks to its 600 pound capacity and balance spreader bar designed for stability, multiple people can lounge in the hammock at once. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Apply it with a lawn spreader, and then water the grass to activate it. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

Typical cooling methods, such as roaring air fans and external copper heat spreaders, are reaching their physical limits. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026

Tulsi Gabbard, the completely unqualified conspiracy-spreader and ex-congresswoman, should never have been the director of national intelligence. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spreader

• silent spreader
• super-spreader

Rhymes for spreader

• cheddar
• header
• redder
• shredder

Kids Definition

spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspred-ər 

: one that spreads: as

a

: an implement for scattering material

b

: a small knife used especially for spreading butter