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
see also stretch a point, stretch one's legs, stretch the truth
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
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
Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The value of the United States dollar has ticked down slightly this year, deepening a dropoff for the currency that stretches back months.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
According to Holbrook, the plane went down on a stretch of six-lane highway that serves about 100,000 vehicles daily.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Look for a pair in non-stretch denim that holds its shape and looks almost as polished as a pair of work trousers, with a cooler, more casual spin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stretch
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Milan-Cortina Olympics stretched across four cities and 265 miles, using movie magic and Andrea Bocelli to unite the Winter Games.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
The value of the United States dollar has ticked down slightly this year, deepening a dropoff for the currency that stretches back months.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Steelers went on to defeat the Vikings 16-6 for their first of four Super Bowl wins in a six-year stretch.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
According to Holbrook, the plane went down on a stretch of six-lane highway that serves about 100,000 vehicles daily.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Still, only 31, and there’s never anything wrong with another stretch big man.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Look for a pair in non-stretch denim that holds its shape and looks almost as polished as a pair of work trousers, with a cooler, more casual spin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 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
