expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s 
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
In it, two split-level homes float atop a fluffy, cloudlike expanse of white surf before a golden sunset.
—
Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Large expanses of the desert may flood, in some cases picking up a year’s worth of rainfall in three days.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2026
The Broncos will work with the city in the coming months to develop a small-area plan, which will set out the design for the expanse surrounding the stadium site.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
The dry lake beds that flanked the highway, usually cracked expanses of tan, were becoming actual lakes.
—Eric Boodman, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
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Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Large expanses of the desert may flood, in some cases picking up a year’s worth of rainfall in three days.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2026
The Broncos will work with the city in the coming months to develop a small-area plan, which will set out the design for the expanse surrounding the stadium site.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
The dry lake beds that flanked the highway, usually cracked expanses of tan, were becoming actual lakes.
—Eric Boodman, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Cite this Entry
“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean
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