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
That program would begin in 2026 and funds would be spread out over five years.
—
Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
More than a hundred musicians spread out in nine groups along 900-foot serpentine route of Peter Zumthor’s new building, still empty of art.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
For camping trips with friends or family, this six-person tent will give you extra space to spread out.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Cucumbers grow best in full sun, with well-draining soil and plenty of room to spread out.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
More than a hundred musicians spread out in nine groups along 900-foot serpentine route of Peter Zumthor’s new building, still empty of art.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
For camping trips with friends or family, this six-person tent will give you extra space to spread out.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Cucumbers grow best in full sun, with well-draining soil and plenty of room to spread out.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 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 9 Jul. 2025.
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