spread out
phrasal verb
spread out; spreading out; spreads 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.
Examples of spread out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alternatively, gifting fractional interests in artwork over time spreads out gains and shifts future appreciation out of your taxable estate.
—
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Soucy noted that there will be a separate line for alcohol — which will include a financial transaction — within its major markets spread out all over the course, but the hope is there are enough concessions to thin out lines.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
The suspensions and cancellations might be somewhat less worrisome if they were evenly spread out, but they are largely clustered in the center of the country—right upwind from Tornado Alley.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
This cabin-style tent sleeps six comfortably with a spacious interior and elevated peak height (over five feet), so everyone can spread out and relax.
—Outside Online, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Soucy noted that there will be a separate line for alcohol — which will include a financial transaction — within its major markets spread out all over the course, but the hope is there are enough concessions to thin out lines.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
The suspensions and cancellations might be somewhat less worrisome if they were evenly spread out, but they are largely clustered in the center of the country—right upwind from Tornado Alley.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
This cabin-style tent sleeps six comfortably with a spacious interior and elevated peak height (over five feet), so everyone can spread out and relax.
—Outside Online, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
Cite this Entry
“Spread out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spread%20out. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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