spread; spreading
Definition of spread
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : to open or expand over a larger area
spread out the map
b : to stretch out : extend spread its wings for flight
2a : to distribute over an area
spread fertilizer
b : to distribute over a period or among a group
spread the work over a few weeks
c : to apply on a surface
spread butter on bread
d(1) : to cover or overlay something with
spread the cloth on the table
(2) archaic : to cover completely
3a : to make widely known
spread the news
b : to extend the range or incidence of
spread a disease
4 : to push apart by weight or force
spread
nounDefinition of spread (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : the act or process of spreading
b : extent of spreading
2 : something spread out: such as
a : a surface area : expanse
b(1) : a ranch or homestead especially in the western U.S.
(2) Western US : a herd of animals
c(1) : a prominent display in a periodical
(2) : two facing pages (as of a newspaper) usually with matter running across the fold also : the matter occupying these pages
3 : something spread on or over a surface: such as
a : a food to be spread (as on bread or crackers)
a cheese spread
b : a sumptuous meal : feast
c : a cloth cover for a table or bed
4 : distance between two points : gap
5 : a commodities market transaction in which a participant hedges with simultaneous long and short options in different commodities or different delivery dates in the same commodity
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizHow Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quizPlay the game
Share spread
Time Traveler for spread
The first known use of spread was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century