spread out

spread out; spreading out; spreads out

Definition of spread out

1 : to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area He spread out the map on the table. He spread the cards out on the table. The cards were spread out across the table.

2 : to be open, arranged, or extended over a large area The city is spread out over a wide area.

3 : to move (parts of the body) outward or away from each other Spread your arms out. There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.

4 : to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group They spread the work out among the committee members. The course is spread out over two semesters.

5 : to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area The police spread out to search the area faster.