stretch-out

noun

ˈstrech-ˌau̇t 

1

: a system of industrial operation in which workers are required to do extra work with slight or with no additional pay

2

: the act of stretching out : the state of being stretched out

3

: an economizing measure that spreads a limited quantity over a larger field than originally intended: such as

a

: a slackening of production schedules so that a quantity of goods will be produced over a longer period than initially planned

b

: a restructuring of a loan repayment schedule over an extended period of time

Examples of stretch-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is real stretch-out room and the cabin doesn’t feel like an afterthought. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 23 Mar. 2026

The chaise adds stretch-out space without overwhelming the layout, making this a great fit for apartments, smaller living rooms, or anyone who wants comfort without committing to a massive footprint. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

The third row is not just habitable but comfortable for adults, with the seat cushion now about two inches higher off the floor for more stretch-out space. — Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, 30 May 2023

But there’s plenty of stretch-out space both front and rear — particularly in the rear. — Tribune News Service, Dallas News, 25 Mar. 2023

There are tons of options out there that will feel just as cloud-like and un-stretch-out-able, look just as cute, and make your legs look equally as good — for a sliver of the price. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, 21 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stretch-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Legal Definition

stretch-out

noun

: a labor practice in which workers are required to do extra work with slight or no additional pay