expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean

Examples of expanse in a Sentence

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse. the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the Cadillac Escalade IQ, though, Cadillac took that idea further, covering the full expanse of the dashboard with a single pane screen; even the passenger has a dedicated screen. Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The walk to the stadium through the vast expanse of parking lot feels like the walk to Wembley from the tube. Alex Edelman, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025 An expanse of nothing preceding them, receding behind them, ruptured only by the trap music coming from the speakers. Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025 But the widening expanse of single-family homes on large lots has used up the reach of the region’s sewer systems, attendees agreed. Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expanse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin expansum, from Latin, neuter of expansus, past participle of expandere

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

expanse

noun
ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean

More from Merriam-Webster on expanse

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