span

\ ˈspan

How to pronounce span (audio)

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Definition of span

(Entry 1 of 4)

archaic past tense 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)

transitive verb

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

noun

Definition of span (Entry 4 of 4)

: a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about span

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Synonyms for span

Synonyms: Verb

gauge
(also gage),
measure,
scale

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.

History and Etymology for span

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English spann; akin to Old High German spanna span, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch, hitch up

Noun

Dutch, from Middle Dutch, from spannen to hitch up

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Cite this Entry

“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/span. Accessed 17 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for span

span

verb

English 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

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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

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Medical Definition of span

1 : an extent of distance or of time especially : life span

2 : memory span

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