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
Mateta’s role is significant because Chalobah is positioned in the space in front of Ramsdale inside a six-man zonal block that is spread out to cover all zones.
—
Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
While 72 might seem like a big number, again, that's spread out over 18 years and includes seasonal shots.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Additionally, this is the first time in several years in which the DGA, PGA, SAG, and Independent Spirit Awards are spread out across four weekends, which should arguably provide some relief to those who frequent these events.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
The oil slick has spread out over 10,000 square meters on the ocean’s surface, and several beaches are closed.
—Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
While 72 might seem like a big number, again, that's spread out over 18 years and includes seasonal shots.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Additionally, this is the first time in several years in which the DGA, PGA, SAG, and Independent Spirit Awards are spread out across four weekends, which should arguably provide some relief to those who frequent these events.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
The oil slick has spread out over 10,000 square meters on the ocean’s surface, and several beaches are closed.
—Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2025.
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