Verb
He sat with his legs splayed apart.
She splayed her fingers to show off her manicure.
His fingers splayed out over the table as he steadied himself.
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.
Verb
When an ice storm is in the forecast, support plants with weak branches that are susceptible to splaying or breaking, like arborvitae and 'Sky Pencil' holly.—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 Tendrils hang loosely in the front, it's pulled to different levels of tautness around her head, and the ends splay out, creating a too-cool-to-care look.—Marci Robin, Allure, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
The wide toe box for foot splay and limited structure allows the foot to naturally strengthen.—Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 6 Jan. 2026 The design delivers unsurpassed toe splay, enforced by the separate toe pockets, and a close-to-the-ground, near-barefoot ride.—Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 23 June 2025
Adjective
Available in wide and extra-wide sizes, these boots allow your toes to naturally splay.—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 Our thoughts went back to the splay-foot tracks.—Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splay
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English splaien "to unfurl, spread out, spread-eagle, split (a fish) lengthwise and lay open," aphetic form of displaien "to unfurl (a banner), spread (the arms), display entry 1"