spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: such as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
c
: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.
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.
Using a farm spreader, the dust is sprinkled over millions of acres of farmland in a 1-millimeter depth. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025 Some of these picks fly solo—like the Sabre cheese knife from Porta—while others come in a full set, like the always-whimsical cheese spreader set from Mackenzie-Childs. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025 Authorities used a hydraulic rescue spreader to remove the tree due to its large size, according to WMUR and Fox affiliate WFXT. Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Plant Properly Use a drop spreader to broadcast the seed across the entire planting area. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spreader

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spreader was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spreader

noun
spread·​er ˈspred-ər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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