SINCE 1828
span
\ ˈspan
\
\
Definition of span
(Entry 1 of 4)
archaic past of spin
span
noun (1)Definition of span (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand
also
: an English unit of length equal to nine inches (22.9 centimeters)
2
: an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits: such as
a
: a limited space (as of time)
especially
: an individual's lifetime
b
: the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge)
also
: a portion thus supported
c
: the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane
span
verb
spanned;
spanning
Definition of span (Entry 3 of 4)
1a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
b
: measure
2a
: to extend across
a career that spanned four decades
b
: to form an arch over
a small bridge spanned the pond
c
: to place or construct a span over
3
: to be capable of expressing any element of under given operations
a set of vectors that spans a vector space
span
nounDefinition of span (Entry 4 of 4)
: a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together
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Examples of span in a Sentence
Verb
His career as a singer spanned three decades. Their empire once spanned several continents. Her academic interests span a wide variety of topics. A bridge spans the river.
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More Definitions for span
span
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of span
: to continue throughout (a period of time)
: to cover or include (a wide area, a large number of things, etc.)
: to cross over (something)
See the full definition for span in the English Language Learners Dictionary
span
noun
\ ˈspan
\
\
Kids Definition of span
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a limited portion of time
span of life I learned to ski in the span of one hour.
2
: the spread (as of an arch or bridge) from one support to another
3
: the width of something from one side to another
span
verb
spanned;
spanning
Kids Definition of span (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to reach or extend across
A bridge spans the river.
2
: to continue over a period of time
The actor's career spanned five decades.
span
noun
\ ˈspan
\
\
Medical Definition of span
2
: memory span
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Comments on span
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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