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
The explanation stretches credulity. [=is hard to believe]
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
Examples of stretch in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Not Suitable for Work, by contrast, stretches for both satire and straightforward cuddliness.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
From lightweight gauze and breezy crochet to stretch denim and moisture-wicking activewear, the fabrics on these cropped pants and shorts contribute to both their comfort and style.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
The war that followed Russia’s invasion of its neighbor has now stretched into its fifth year, with no end in sight.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Early-life exposures, including body weight at age 10 and maternal smoking, also showed measurable effects on aging outcomes decades later, which underscores just how long these influences stretch.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
From lightweight gauze and breezy crochet to stretch denim and moisture-wicking activewear, the fabrics on these cropped pants and shorts contribute to both their comfort and style.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
The war that followed Russia’s invasion of its neighbor has now stretched into its fifth year, with no end in sight.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Early-life exposures, including body weight at age 10 and maternal smoking, also showed measurable effects on aging outcomes decades later, which underscores just how long these influences stretch.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Cite this Entry
“Stretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stretch. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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
