stretched; stretching; stretches
1
: to extend (one's limbs, one's body, etc.) in a reclining position
2
: to reach out : extend
stretched out her arms
3
: to extend in length
stretched his neck to see what was going on
4
: to fell with or as if with a blow
5
: to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture
6
: to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position
7
: to pull taut
canvas stretched on a frame
8
a
: to enlarge or distend especially by force
b
: to extend or expand as if by physical force
stretch one's mind with a good book
c
: strain
stretched his already thin patience
9
: to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space)
stretch a wire between two posts
10
a
: to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits
the rules can be stretched this once
b
: to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function
stretching a dollar
11
: to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running
stretch a single into a double
1
a
: to become extended in length or breadth or both : spread
broad plains stretching to the sea
b
: to extend over a continuous period
the dynasty stretches back several centuries
2
: to become extended without breaking
3
a
: to extend one's body or limbs
stretched before jogging
wanted to stretch out on the sofa
b
: to lie down at full length
1
a
: an exercise of something (such as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits
their conclusion seemed like a bit of a stretch
b
: an extension of the scope or application of something
a stretch of language
2
: the extent to which something may be stretched
3
a
: the act of stretching : the state of being stretched
a good stretch for legs
b
: the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base
pitching from the stretch
4
a
: an extent in length or area
an open stretch of road
b
: a continuous period of time
can write for eight hours at a stretch
5
: a walk to relieve fatigue
6
: a term of imprisonment
served a 10-year stretch
7
a
: either of the straight sides of a racecourse
especially
: homestretch
b
: a final stage (as of a contest or season)
won some crucial games down the stretch
8
: the capacity for being stretched : elasticity
a waistband with lots of stretch
9
: a stretch limousine
Synonyms
Verb
Noun
Adjective
Examples of stretch in a Sentence
Verb
Don't yank on my sweater. You'll stretch it.
The elastic waistband of my pants won't stretch any more.
It's important to stretch before you exercise.
The baby stretched and yawned.
She woke up and stretched her arms above her head.
She stretched over us to open the window.
She stretched her hand toward him.
She stretched the canvas over the wooden frame.
The T-shirt was stretched tight over his belly.
A big banner was stretched across the doorway.
Noun
a 60-mile stretch of beach
an open stretch of highway
These are good stretches for your leg muscles.
I always spend a few minutes doing stretches before I exercise.
I can feel the stretch in the back of my legs.
Adjective
stretch fabrics that don't wrinkle or sag
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Apr. 2024
But, if CFCs had turned out to behave just slightly differently, the hole would have stretched from pole to pole before scientists had even had the tools to measure it.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024
Though the show stretches across eight 45-minute episodes, diving into countless details and fantastical beings, its pacing often stalls, leading to a humdrum tone instead of a display frenzied with action.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Apr. 2024
Originally constructed in the early 1870s, the trail stretched for 200 miles along the edge of the Mogollon Rim in Central Arizona between Fort Verde and Fort Apache.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
That car conga line stretched all the way back to U.S. 1 out of Homestead and Florida City.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Dewan included a video of her pilates class, which involved stretching one leg up and down.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
The dial is subtle and minimalist, in the Patrimony tradition, with 18k gold pearl minute markers (48 altogether), slim hands and stretched out hash marks on the lower half of the dial.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
María Casbas, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024
The Mavericks mounted another charge over the next couple of minutes, a stretch in which George missed two shots and committed a turnover.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
The last seven-mile stretch, the longest and most complex of the three phases, will run through Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami to the Dadeland South station to complete the 10-mile trail.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
Even Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is a fan.
OK, that’s a stretch.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024
There's a small stretch of Stevens Avenue in the Deering Center neighborhood that's not to be missed.
—Erinne Magee, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
After an agreement to bury a Contra Costa Water District canal that stood in its way, a stretch of East Cypress Road can now be widened.
—Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Flowing 34 miles, the river is home to a stretch of Class 4 and 5 whitewater rapids as well as several endangered and rare species.
—USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
The hotel’s location along an under-trafficked, 1,000-foot stretch of sand is still the stuff of envy, with gentle surf to satisfy families and more cautious swimmers.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024
Good American Crop Denim Jacket Push the envelope with this jacket, which updates the classic aviator look with stretch denim and a cropped length.
—Jake Smith, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024
These lightning-fast neutral shoes feature a sleek, minimalist, and breathable upper with stretch woven fabric that moves with the foot.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2024
Its stretch fleece side panels provide impressive freedom of movement even if the fit is fairly snug.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2024
Imagine if Mark Zuckerberg started wearing stretch Coperni dresses, for example—or if Elon Musk started wearing Cardi B’s Y/Project thigh-highs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2023
Imagine if Mark Zuckerberg started wearing stretch Coperni dresses, for example…or if Elon Musk started wearing Cardi B’s Y/Project thigh-highs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2023
This set comes in six different colorful stripe options and is made from a comfortable yet stretch modal material that keeps you cozy without overheating.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023
The fabric has a flexible, comfortable four-way stretch, and the silhouette is built with a stretch-mesh gusset that (comfortably) hugs your crotch while promoting breathability.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023
Verb
El-Erian warned that further escalation between Iran and Israel would weaken fragile global growth, heat up inflation, and further stress stretched central banks and governments that already have limited ability to respond to new shocks.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Apr. 2024
But, if CFCs had turned out to behave just slightly differently, the hole would have stretched from pole to pole before scientists had even had the tools to measure it.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024
Though the show stretches across eight 45-minute episodes, diving into countless details and fantastical beings, its pacing often stalls, leading to a humdrum tone instead of a display frenzied with action.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Apr. 2024
Originally constructed in the early 1870s, the trail stretched for 200 miles along the edge of the Mogollon Rim in Central Arizona between Fort Verde and Fort Apache.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
That car conga line stretched all the way back to U.S. 1 out of Homestead and Florida City.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Dewan included a video of her pilates class, which involved stretching one leg up and down.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
The dial is subtle and minimalist, in the Patrimony tradition, with 18k gold pearl minute markers (48 altogether), slim hands and stretched out hash marks on the lower half of the dial.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
Noun
Villajoyosa is located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, a fabled stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coast south of Valencia and north of Murcia, and less than 20 minutes by car from Benidorm.
—María Casbas, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024
The Mavericks mounted another charge over the next couple of minutes, a stretch in which George missed two shots and committed a turnover.
—Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
The last seven-mile stretch, the longest and most complex of the three phases, will run through Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami to the Dadeland South station to complete the 10-mile trail.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
Even Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is a fan.
OK, that’s a stretch.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024
There's a small stretch of Stevens Avenue in the Deering Center neighborhood that's not to be missed.
—Erinne Magee, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
After an agreement to bury a Contra Costa Water District canal that stood in its way, a stretch of East Cypress Road can now be widened.
—Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Flowing 34 miles, the river is home to a stretch of Class 4 and 5 whitewater rapids as well as several endangered and rare species.
—USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
The hotel’s location along an under-trafficked, 1,000-foot stretch of sand is still the stuff of envy, with gentle surf to satisfy families and more cautious swimmers.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024
Adjective
The soft, stretch fabric has built-in UPF 50+ to safeguard against UV rays and wicks away moisture, which is ideal for protection against the Caribbean’s rain showers and thunderstorms.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024
Good American Crop Denim Jacket Push the envelope with this jacket, which updates the classic aviator look with stretch denim and a cropped length.
—Jake Smith, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024
These lightning-fast neutral shoes feature a sleek, minimalist, and breathable upper with stretch woven fabric that moves with the foot.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2024
Its stretch fleece side panels provide impressive freedom of movement even if the fit is fairly snug.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2024
Imagine if Mark Zuckerberg started wearing stretch Coperni dresses, for example—or if Elon Musk started wearing Cardi B’s Y/Project thigh-highs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2023
Imagine if Mark Zuckerberg started wearing stretch Coperni dresses, for example…or if Elon Musk started wearing Cardi B’s Y/Project thigh-highs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2023
This set comes in six different colorful stripe options and is made from a comfortable yet stretch modal material that keeps you cozy without overheating.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023
The fabric has a flexible, comfortable four-way stretch, and the silhouette is built with a stretch-mesh gusset that (comfortably) hugs your crotch while promoting breathability.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stretch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to stretch
Dictionary Entries Near stretch
Cite this Entry
“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stretch. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stretch
1 of 3 verb1
: to extend (as one's body) in a flat position
stretched out on the bed
2
: to reach out
stretched my arm
3
a
: to extend or become extended in length or width or both : spread
stretched his neck to see what was going on
b
: to extend over a continuous period
the dynasty stretches back several centuries
4
: to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position
awoke and stretched myself
5
: to pull tight
stretch the canvas on the frame
6
a
: to enlarge or expand especially by force
b
: to make excessive demands on : strain
stretched her already thin patience
7
: to cause to reach or continue
stretch a wire between two posts
8
: exaggerate
stretch the truth
9
: to become extended without breaking
10
: to extend one's body or limbs
stretched before jogging
stretch
2 of 3 noun1
: an exercise of something beyond ordinary or normal limits
stretch of the imagination
2
: the extent to which something may be stretched
3
: the act of stretching (as of the body) : the state of being stretched
4
a
: an extent in length or area
a stretch of woods
b
: a continuous period of time
silent for a stretch
5
: a term of imprisonment
6
: either of the straight sides of a racecourse
especially
: homestretch sense 1
7
: the ability to be stretched
stretch
3 of 3 adjective1
: easily stretched : elastic
stretch socks
2
: longer than the standard size
a stretch limousine
Medical Definition
stretch
1 of 2 transitive verb1
: to extend in length
was told to stretch the leg muscles before running
2
: to enlarge or distend especially by force
stretch
2 of 2 noun
: the act of stretching : the state of being stretched
a muscle or group of muscles in stretch—C. R. Houck
C. R. HouckLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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