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.
Deer mice are also the most common spreader of hantavirus.1 Why Are Mice Bad Inside Your Home? Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 June 2025 The model is also known to accurately reflect that Musk is a major spreader of misinformation and debunk the misleading talking points that circulate Trumpworld. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025 Among them were some noted spreaders of COVID-19 misinformation. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 16 June 2025 An integrated piece of metal called a heat spreader is key to that, but making one big enough for these large packages is difficult. IEEE Spectrum, 8 June 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 30 Jun. 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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