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

Example Sentences

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.
Recent Examples on the Web Initially assumed to transmit only from people who were actively sick—as its predecessor SARS-CoV did—the new coronavirus turned out to be a silent spreader, also spewing from the airways of people who were feeling just fine. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2023 The far-right news outlet, Gateway Pundit, which was a prominent spreader of 2020 election lies, put out multiple stories that claim the election in Brazil was stolen. Time, 11 Jan. 2023 The Warbonnet Ridgerunner hammock provides a close to flat lying position thanks to the innovative spreader bars. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 14 Feb. 2023 So put down that fertilizer spreader and go get yourself a cup of coffee! Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 10 Feb. 2023 With air gaps eliminated, your processor runs cool because heat transfer is seamless between the processor and the CPU’s heat spreader. Toby Grey, BGR, 15 Sep. 2022 The kit includes lava rock, a double-ended picking hook, resin refill and a spreader. Noma Nazish, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 That being said, nobody wants to be the host of a super spreader event! Jacqueline Pinedo, Hartford Courant, 21 Dec. 2022 At less than $80 in a recent sale, this memory is stupendous value, packing not only high speed memory modules with relatively tight timings, but the sticks even have an understated heat spreader. Jon Martindale, Forbes, 19 May 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spreader.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Dictionary Entries Near spreader

Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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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