SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

spence

noun
Save Word
\ ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce spence (audio) \

Definition of spence

 (Entry 1 of 2)

dialectal, chiefly British
: pantry

Spence

biographical name
\ ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce Spence (audio) \

Definition of Spence (Entry 2 of 2)

A(ndrew) Michael 1943–     American economist

First Known Use of spence

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for spence

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French espence, spence, from Medieval Latin expensa victuals, from Late Latin, outlay, compulsory supply of food — more at expense entry 1

Learn More About spence

Time Traveler for spence

Time Traveler

The first known use of spence was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Dictionary Entries Near spence

Spemann

spence

Spence

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for spence

Cite this Entry

“Spence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spence. Accessed 17 Jan. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on spence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spence

WORD OF THE DAY

stola

Listen to the pronunciation of stola

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

  • cow coming home
  • What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games